Last night on The Late Late Show, a buff David Beckham appeared exactly how the world has come to recognize him post-soccer stardom—as an underwear model.
A minute-and-a-half sultry and seductive advert had Beckham stripped down, smizing and tussling his infamous hair as the camera panned his tattooed body and a voiceover expressed the need for a man to feel “secure” and “supported.”
Alongside him there was James Corden, the show’s recently appointed host, proudly displaying his full-figure body in nothing but a pair of white boxer briefs.
Together, the two advocated the made-up brand’s appeal to “a man with a great body…and David Beckham,” Corden joked. The playful comments and amusing gestures he added gave a refreshingly funny tone to an otherwise serious clip—a classic Corden move.
You see, the 36-year old comedian has never been reluctant to show off his body in the name of comedy.
His stateside audience got their first glimpse of the funnyman’s love of the buff in the March issue of GQ Magazine. It featured the Brit washing dishes in nothing but Union Jack-themed apron and socks—his bare ass presented to the camera and anyone who flipped open the men’s glossy to read about his recent move to Los Angeles and taking over as Late Late host.
But during his time as much-loved funnyman in the UK, Corden made a reputation for himself by wrangling in celebrity friends as he fearlessly showed off his voluptuous frame.
So get prepared, America. Whether you like it or not, you’re probably going to see a whole lot more of James Corden’s body.
In 2010, Corden released a skit for Sport Relief, a biennial charity event that brings together the sports and entertainment industries to raise money for impoverished countries. His beloved comedic personality, Smithy, received the night’s highest honor, “Coach of the Year.”
In the video’s opening, he appeared on a platform next to Olympic diver Tom Daley. The two both sported matching speedos as they prepared to commence a high-dive.
The outfit blatantly exaggerated the contrast between Daley’s super fit swimmer’s build and an untrained Corden.
Moments later, Corden was clothes-free bathing with David Beckham, doing aerobics in tight cut-off shorts with Manchester United, and playing tennis against Andy Murray in a super small polo shirt that revealed his gut.
And people seem to love it, cheering in his support when others try to shame him for his weight.
Months later, Sir Patrick Stewart, famously known for his roles in Star Trek and X-Men, took a jab at the comedian and caused the two to publicly butt heads at Glamour’s Women of the Year awards.
“From where I was sitting, I could see your belly,” Stewart remarked while presenting the award for Best Actress. “And that was right over there in the back of the room. These people down here,” he awkwardly finished pointing to the front row.
“I’m waiting for the punch line,” Corden offered. “Seriously, go on. You can see my belly and we can all see you dying right now.”
“For what it is worth, I like your belly,” Zoe Saldana defended as she accepted the award. “But I would pay to see Sir Patrick Stewart dying on stage any day.”
The entire moment was all very cringeworthy considering Stewart could not keep up with Corden’s quick wit and love of his physique.
In the end, he offered it up for view while asking, “Who hasn’t seen my belly?” The entire crowd cheered.
It’s a self-awareness routine that has been used for years by comedians who embrace their size. Chris Farley poked at himself. So have Rosie O’Donnell and Louis CK.
Actress Rebel Wilson, who appeared as “Fat Amy” in the film Pitch Perfect, told Hunger Magazine that “as long as I look like this, I’m going to make fat jokes. All comedians have to use their physicality, so I use my size.”
And Corden has proved he does the same.
