James Corden in line to replace Ellen DeGeneres if she leaves talk show - report

James Corden and Ellen DeGeneres.
James Corden and Ellen DeGeneres. Photo credit: CBS / Getty Images

Comedian James Corden is reportedly in line to replace US TV host Ellen DeGeneres following multiple allegations of workplace misconduct at her show.

Former staffers of DeGeneres have accused senior executives of intimidation, racism and sexual harassment, with one even solicited for oral sex.

Insiders at NBC, the network of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, say Corden was always "the long-term successor" to her show before the scandal hit, according to The Sun.

Corden, originally from the UK, has hosted The Late Late Show in the US since 2015.

NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy, who is part of the executive team overseeing the claims made against DeGeneres' show, has Corden "high on his wanted list" as a replacement host, a source told The Sun.

"James and his team have been trailblazers in modern TV, taking the once considered graveyard chat show slot into a cutting edge format with huge online, social media and global recognition," they said.

Corden also reportedly turned down a five-year deal, and is now only contracted to host his show until 2022.

"Replacing Ellen was always going to be a tough challenge, but he is a natural fit and easy transition. James would freshen up daytime and with a free hand would be allowed to build a new afternoon era."

On Saturday, the Daily Mail reported DeGeneres plans to call it quits on her show after the allegations.

An insider told the outlet "she feels like she can't go on" and the only way to recover her personal brand is to shut down the show.

"The truth is she knew what was going on, it's her show. The buck stops with her. She can blame every executive under the sun - but Ellen is ultimately the one to blame," they said.

DeGeneres issued an apology on Friday expressing her disappointment with learning about the accusations at her workplace.

"On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness - no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect," she wrote in a memo to staff.

"Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case.

"For that, I am sorry. Anyone who knows me knows it's the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show."

She also vowed to work with WarnerMedia chiefs to correct the issues raised.