James Corden makes impassioned tribute to Manchester in wake of attack

There’s not much to say here, so I’ll let James Corden do the speaking in this instance. As one of the UK’s biggest success stories out in the States, it seems he’s still very British at heart. 

Here’s what he had to say about the horrendous attacks in Manchester last night:

He’s visibly distressed in the clip, as he addresses his US audience with the words:

“Many of you won’t have been to Manchester, but you will definitely have heard of it.”

He then extols Manchester’s many virtues – name-checking sports teams (“Man City, Man United”) and bands (“Oasis, and Joy Division”), as well as it’s significance for culture:

“It was the birthplace of the leader of the Suffragettes. It’s the home of the inventor of the first computer.

“It’s a place full of comedy and character.”

But, perhaps even more relevant today, he praises the people that live there: 

“When I think of Manchester, the place that I know, I think of the spirit of the people there – and I’m telling you, a more tight-knit group of people you will be hard pressed to find.

“Strong, proud, caring people, with community at its core.

“If it was even possible, the spirit of the people of Manchester will grow even stronger this evening.”

As his voice wavers, he signs off:

“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Manchester tonight - all of the staff at the MEN Arena, all of the security teams, all of the emergency services, Ariana and her team, and all of those families affected by tonight.

“We’ll all go to bed holding our little ones even tighter this evening.”