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James Corden opens up about 'life-changing experience' on first movie

James Corden said working with Shane Meadows early in his career was a formative experience. (CBS/Getty)
James Corden said working with Shane Meadows early in his career was a formative experience. (CBS/Getty)

James Corden has revealed that working with director Shane Meadows on his first ever film role was "a life-changing experience" for the star.

The 44-year-old actor and presenter made his big screen debut in the This Is England filmmaker's 1997 movie Twenty Four Seven.

The film follows the late Bob Hoskins as a man trying to get working-class youngsters off the streets and out of gang culture into the world of boxing, with the then-19-year-old Corden playing teen Tonka.

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Corden told BBC Radio 4 programme This Cultural Life that working with Meadows helped to shape the approach he took to his career as a working-class person.

He said: "It was a life-changing experience for me. What I learned from Shane is you’re going to have to bully your way through this.

James Corden starred alongside Bob Hoskins in British drama film Twenty Four Seven. (Pathé)
James Corden starred alongside Bob Hoskins in British drama film Twenty Four Seven. (Pathé)

"You’re going to have to get people to budge up to sit at the table if that’s what you want to do. It isn’t going to just be presented to you."

Corden said there are few opportunities in the entertainment world for those from working-class backgrounds, as opposed to those with access to high-flying universities and drama schools.

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He grew up in Buckinghamshire with his mother — a social worker — and father, who was a musician in the RAF and later sold bibles.

"If you’re from a working-class environment, you’re not bred for success. The talent is everywhere, and opportunity isn’t," said Corden.

James Corden rose to fame as part of the stage and film cast of The History Boys. (Getty)
James Corden rose to fame as part of the stage and film cast of The History Boys. (Getty)

He added: “I didn’t realise until I met my wife that she did, I think, 13 GCSEs and I did six. And the most you could do at my school was seven.

“You’re kind of capped. You’re not really told that these things are ­possible. No one’s going to wait to invite you to the table.”

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Corden became a household name for his comedy work in the 2000s, including The History Boys and as the co-creator and star of BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey.

He subsequently made the jump to the USA where he has spent seven years as host of The Late Late Show — a job he is set to quit next year.

Watch: James Corden pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II