James Corden has paid a touching tribute to Manchester and the victims of last night's attack on his American chat show, The Late Late Show
Late last night news broke of an explosion at Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert.
The suspected terror attack has so far claimed the lives of 22 people, including children, and left dozens injured.
In a statement, prime minister Theresa May, said: “We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack. All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.”
Responding to the shocking news, James Corden paid an emotional tribute to Manchester and its residents on his American chat show, The Late Late Show.
Leaving his funny man act aside, the Brit said: “While taping our show earlier tonight, we heard the horrific news coming out of Manchester in England, that there had been an incident at Ariana Grande’s concert.
“Many of you won’t have been to Manchester, but you will definitely have heard of it. It’s famous all over the world for so many wonderful things - great football teams, Man City, Man United. It’s famous for incredible music - Oasis and Joy Division. 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."
He went on: “But 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.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Manchester tonight - all of the staff at the [Manchester Arena], all of the security teams, all of the emergency services, Ariana and her team, and all of those families affected by tonight.
He concluded: “We’ll all go to bed holding our little ones even tighter this evening.”
James isn't the only star to express his shock and sadness at last night's attack. A host of other celebrities have taken to social media to share their thoughts.
Posting on Instagram, David Beckham - who famously played for Manchester United - wrote: "Heartbreaking news from Manchester. As a father & a human what has happened truly saddens me. My thoughts are with all of those that have been affected by this tragedy..."
New mum, Billie Faiers, wrote: "I feel so sad to wake up and hear the most heartbreaking news .... absouloutely tragic #prayformanchester ... 😔💔"
While her sister Sam added: "Truly heartbreaking. Waking up to this news is so sad. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. #prayformanchester 🙏🏼 ❤"
Scarlett Moffat's post was perhaps most moving, and vital, as she highlighted the faces of children still missing following the explosion, pleading: "hese young people are still missing in #Manchester. Please help
#StandTogether 💔💔"
And of course, Ariana Grande has been deeply shaken by the cruel act. Taken to Twitter, she wrote: 'broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words."
Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the people of Manchester at this terrible time.