James Corden Pays Tribute To Manchester And Its People

In the age of terror, late-night hosts have found themselves performing the morbid ritual of solemnly addressing the latest attack on their talk shows. Last night’s awful attack in Manchester happened after all the shows had already taped—they are typically pre-taped in the afternoon—so most of the hosts haven’t been able to offer their thoughts and condolences (expect to see that tonight). But James Corden, a U.K. native, was compelled to tape a separate segment, where he addressed the attacks and the city they were carried out in, that aired during the show.

Sitting at his desk in an empty theater, a rattled Corden emphasized that details on the incident were still developing, and said that there were “multiple fatalities and many injuries” at an Ariana Grande concert, where the bombing took place. (We now know the death toll is at 22, with more than 50 people injured, many of them kids). Corden then told his audience about the city of Manchester and its contributions to society and culture. “Many of you won't have ever been to Manchester but you will definitely have heard of it," he said. “It's famous all over the world for so many wonderful things, great football teams, Manchester City, Manchester United. It's famous for incredible music, Oasis, and Joy Division. It was the birthplace of the leader of the Suffragettes. It's the home of the inventor of the first computer.”

But Corden saved his most poignant sentiments for the people of Manchester themselves, who are no doubt reeling. “I’m telling you a more tight-knit group of people you’ll be hard-pressed to find,” he said. “Strong, proud, caring people with community at its core. And if it’s even possible, the spirit of the people of Manchester will grow even stronger this evening.” Watch his remarks above.