James Corden is reportedly weighing up a move into politics, with the former Late Late Show host said to be interested in running for Mayor of London.
Corden, who returned to the UK last year after spending eight years in Los Angeles, allegedly discussed the possibility during conversations at the Bafta television awards last weekend.
The 46-year-old, who became a household name as Smithy in Gavin and Stacey, has previously spoken out about his political views but has never pursued public office.
At the Baftas, Corden was introduced to the hosts of the Electoral Dysfunction podcast and reportedly revealed his interest in politics to Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman and former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson.
An onlooker told the Mail on Sunday: "James told them he was a regular listener to their podcast and how much he enjoys the cut and thrust of politics.
"He clearly has a lot of respect for those who put themselves out there and run for office.
"And it was suggested that he should step into the political arena and stand in the future. There was talk that he should run for Mayor of London."
The current mayor, Sadiq Khan, was first elected in 2016 and won a third term last year. He is widely expected to step down in 2028, meaning Labour will need to select a new candidate.
Corden, who is thought to be a Labour supporter, criticised Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership after the party’s defeat in the 2019 general election. He tweeted: "I can't shake the feeling that if Tom Watson had been leader of the Labour Party the outcome of this could've all been so different.
"Jeremy Corbyn has now lost two elections to opposition candidates who could've and should've been beaten."
Corden and his wife Julia bought an £11.5 million house in north west London on their return to the UK last year.
