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Joanna Page Defends James Corden Amid Criticisms Over His Work Ethic

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Joanna Page has spoken out in defense of her former co-star James Corden, refuting claims that he is difficult to work with. The pair met on the set of the hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey in 2007, which became a massive success and is now the most-watched scripted show in over two decades. Since then, Corden has gone on to find huge success in the US, hosting The Late Late Show with James Corden from 2015 to 2023. However, a director on A League Of Their Own has described Corden as "the most difficult presenter" to work with. Joanna Page, who has been able to focus on her family life since the show ended, said it is "sad and frustrating" when people have a different perception of Corden than she does. She described him as "kind and lovely to work with" and emphasized the importance of having a "thick skin" in the entertainment industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joanna Page met James Corden on the set of Gavin & Stacey in 2007, a show they co-created with Ruth Jones.
  • Corden went on to host The Late Late Show in the US from 2015 to 2023, achieving huge success.
  • A director on A League Of Their Own described Corden as "the most difficult presenter" to work with.
  • Joanna Page disputed these claims, saying Corden is "kind and lovely to work with".
  • Gavin & Stacey is now the most-watched scripted show in over two decades, with a highly anticipated finale on Christmas Day last year.
  • Joanna Page has been able to focus on her family life since the show ended, prioritizing her children, two dogs, and four guinea pigs.
  • Page has been married to fellow actor James Thornton since 2011.
  • They have four children together: Eva, Kit, Noah, and Boe.

Statistics:

  • Gavin & Stacey has been running for almost 20 years, since its creation in 2003 with Ruth Jones.
  • The show concluded with a highly anticipated finale on Christmas Day last year, making it one of the most-watched scripted shows in over two decades.
  • James Corden hosted The Late Late Show in the US from 2015 to 2023.
  • A League Of Their Own director Craig Duncan described Corden as "the most difficult presenter" to work with on an episode in 2013 (Season 7, Episode 3).

Sources:

  • "It's quite sad and frustrating when you know a side of someone like I know with James, who's so kind and lovely to work with, when other people haven't seen it." - Joanna Page, The Times
  • "The most difficult and obnoxious presenter I have ever worked with was James Corden." - Craig Duncan, A League Of Their Own director (YouTube)
  • "It was sacrilege if it went to someone else who was putting on an accent." - Joanna Page, on being cast as one of the titular characters in Gavin & Stacey.

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