Ant and Dec nearly had James Corden crying tears of frustration as they pulled a hilarious prank on him. The mischievous duo flew all the way to Los Angeles to go undercover for the return of Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.
The skit focused on Ant and Dec ironically making James late for work, for his hosting duties at The Late, Late Show. The first hurdle comes when James tries to gain access to the car park at work but is stalled by a security guard, who is being told what to say by a cheeky Ant and Dec in his earpiece.
© Photo: ITVThe security guard doesn't recognise James Corden as he arrives at work
"My name's James Corden, I do a TV show called The Late, Late Show with James Corden," the English star says.
"What show?" says the security guard.
"The Late, Late Show with James Corden," says James, whose face is plastered on a billboard on the side of the building.
© Photo: ITVJames' next hurdle is that a delivery man is occupying his usual spot
"I'm sorry, did you say you're late for the show?" asks the guard.
"No my show is called The Late, Late Show with me, James Corden. I'm the host for the show," he insists.
"Ah ok, ok," says the guard, momentarily pausing. "And you're late for the show? I'm sorry can you tell me your name again?"
"JAMES CORDEN!" shouts a frustrated James.
© Photo: ITVAnt and Dec appear on his show, disguised as Michael and Glenn
When he is finally given access, James finds his usual parking spot occupied by a delivery van, making him even more late for work.
"Well that's got his day off to the worst possible start!" laughs Dec.
James' problems have only just begun though, as he experiences more mishaps during the show. In the "Face Your Fiancé" segment, which tests two couples on how much they know each other, James is joined by two actresses who he believes are contestants on the show.
© Photo: ITVMichael – Ant in real life – appears to suffer an accident live on air
Their partners are Michael and Glenn, aka Ant and Dec in disguise. James is left red-faced as the pair give increasingly embarrassing answers to his questions – but the climax of the set up comes when Michael – Ant in real life – appears to suffer an accident live on air, with his bookshelf collapsing on top of him.
Will James see the funny side?
Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway starts on 20 February at 7pm on ITV.
