The 38-year-old British host of the Late, Late Show with James Corden delivered an emotional message to the people of Manchester upon learning news of the explosion at the Ariana Grande concert after his show.
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At the time of issuing his message from the CBS studios in Los Angeles, London-born James Corden did not know details about the suicide bomb attack, which has killed 22 people, including children, and injured 59, but he guessed as much.
"It shocks me every time we hear this sort of news that attacks like this can happen, but especially when there will be so many children at this concert tonight," he told his United States audience.
James Corden delivered an emotional message upon learning news of the explosion at the Ariana Grande concert. Photo: YouTube
"Many of you won't have been to Manchester but you will definitely of 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 inventer or the first computer, it's a place full of comedy, curries and character.
"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'll be hard pressed to find; strong, proud, caring people with community at its core and if it was even possible, the spirit of the people of Manchester will grow even stronger this evening."
Corden could not have known but a striking symbol has emerged on social media among young Grande fans wishing to show solidarity with those affected in Manchester.
Grande's friend Hailee Steinfield??? tweeted an image of a black ribbon topped with a pair of Grande's signature black ears (she has performed in cat and bunny ears) against a pink background.
pic.twitter.com/YM0fVkWVIn??? Hailee Steinfeld (@HaileeSteinfeld) May 23, 2017
The tweet has been shared and liked tens of thousands of times, as the movement grows among fans and observers.
Signature ears: Ariana Grande performs onstage at Madison Square Garden on March 20, 2015 in New York City. Photo: Larry Busacca
Manchester rock icon Liam Gallagher, of Oasis fame, has tweeted his devastation in light of the news in his home town.
In total shock and absolutely devastated about what's gone down in MANCHESTER sending Love and Light to all the family's involved LG x??? Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) May 23, 2017
Our hearts go out to the victims and their families affected #WeStandTogether #Manchester pic.twitter.com/bmK5mklA2d??? Joy Division (@joydivision) May 23, 2017
Corden concluded: "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 will all go to bed holding our little ones even tighter this evening."
Grande will be appearing on Corden's Carpool Karaoke series, which has been filmed this year for Apple Music TV, but she will be singing alongside Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane.
Corden's message on YouTube has attracted hundreds of thousands of views, but has, more importantly, reached Manchester - through its Evening News.
