James Corden started work on his new US talk-show two months ahead of schedule.

The 36-year-old Brit, who recently starred in the movie 'Into the Woods', is due to take over the helm of 'The Late Late Show' on CBS in March, but James appeared on the set of the show on Friday night (23.01.15) with a clipboard, to the surprise of guest host Judd Apatow.

Judd - who was delivering the opening monologue - asked James why he was on the set, to which he replied: ''CBS sent me to shadow you to learn what not to do as a talk show host in America.''

James is set for a nationwide press tour of TV, radio and online outlets in the US in a bid to raise his profile, and recently revealed he wants the show to send out positive messages.

The Tony Award-winning star explained: ''So much of what you see and read and are polluted by is not pleasant right now.

''If we can make a show that reaches out to people and reminds them there are still wonderful things, I'd love to make a warm show that's really funny.''