James Cordon gets emotional when discussing his belated release: 'There Will Be Tears'

The 43-year-old talk show host announced his decision to leave The Late Late Show in a monologue released the Thursday night leading up to the episode. The British comedian started by telling his audience that he had signed a new contract to continue the show next year.

"I love everyone who works here. I am very happy of what we have achieved. It was beyond my wildest and bravest dreams. That's why I am excited to declared today that I've signed a new contract to continue to host The Late Late Show.

"We only realized it then. It will be a journey, an adventure. I never saw it as my end goal, you know? "And I never wanted this event to end its reception. I've always wanted to. And I think that a year from now will be a good time to move on and see what's to come." Despite holding back tears, Cordon assured his audience that "we're not leaving today," noting that "they still have a year."

"We're all committed to making this the best year we've ever had on this show. "We're going to come out hard," he said. "There will be parks, trails, sketches, and other surprises."

"And there will be tears. There will be so many tears," he admitted. "Because it was the hardest decision I ever made, it was. I never took this job for granted. Never. Not once. And the fact that you watched us at home. Or see us online wherever you are, around the world. We can try to entertain you and spending time with you is an absolute privilege for me and everyone who created this event.

"It will last for the next 12 months, and there will be an explosion, I promise," he added.