Culture

James Corden tipped to replace Ellen DeGeneres, but viewers would rather a ‘superior lesbian’. Or anyone, really

James Corden and Ellen DeGeneres

James Corden is reportedly in the running to replace Ellen DeGeneres. (Getty)

James Corden is being tipped to take over The Ellen DeGeneres Show’s coveted daytime slot as it faces an internal probe – which has left the queer community less than impressed.

Ellen DeGeneres is reportedly close to quitting her show in order to “recover her personal brand”, as her long-running talk show is investigated over allegations the set is “dominated by fear”.

Warner Bros launched the probe after a number of ex-staffers told BuzzFeed they had experienced bullying, intimidation and racism. Since then, more than a dozen other former employees have made allegations that the set is rife with sexual misconduct, with a number of producers denying claims they harassed staff members. Warner Bros has declined to comment on these claims.

Should Ellen decide to hang up her mic, Corden is reportedly top of NBC’s list to replace her.

The network’s chairman Paul Telegdy is reportedly a “huge fan” of the Late Late Show host, who according to The Sun, was viewed as “the long term successor” even before Ellen was blighted by scandal.

“James Corden was being eyed for Ellen’s job in the long term before any of this came to light,” an insider told the outlet.

“Replacing Ellen was always going to be a tough challenge, but he is a natural fit and easy transition.”

The paper notes that Corden is contracted to CBS until 2022.

News that DeGeneres, TV’s most prominent (if problematic) queer person, could be replaced with yet another straight cis white man was roundly met with disappointment on Twitter.

Once again, Ellen Page was floated as an ideal successor.

Though Wanda Sykes, a regular guest on Ellen, is arguably the more qualified choice.

Many pointed out that Kate McKinnon has already proved her chops.

If network executives are truly determined to give the slot to a man, some are hopeful that they’ll at least appoint somebody queer.

Ellen apologises to staff for alleged ‘toxic’ workplace.

Ellen DeGeneres reportedly wrote to staff to apologise for the alleged toxic culture that has engulfed the Ellen show.

“On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness – no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect,” the letter, seen by Us Weekly, read.

“Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry. Anyone who knows me knows it’s the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show.”

DeGeneres also said that she often “relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I’d want them done. Cleary some didn’t.”

The show’s executive producers Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner have also publicly apologised, telling BuzzFeed: “We are truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience. It’s not who we are and not who we strive to be, and not the mission Ellen has set for us.”

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