James Corden to host the 70th Tony Awards ceremony in NYC

NEW YORK, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Actor and television talk-show host James Corden is to preside over the 70th annual Tony Awards ceremony, CBS announced Tuesday.

Corden is the star of The Late Late Show with James Corden and a previous Tony winner for his performance in One Man, Two Guvnors.

This year's Tonys, recognizing excellence for the 2015-16 Broadway season, is to take place June 12 at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The ceremony will air on CBS.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be hosting the Tony Awards," said Corden in a statement. "Both times I've worked on Broadway have been amongst the happiest times of my professional life. I consider it a huge honor to be asked to host such an incredible night. It's gonna be fun. I can't wait to dust off my tap shoes!"

"We are thrilled to have James Corden not only as a member of the CBS family, but as host of this year's Tony Awards," added Jack Sussman, executive vice president of specials, music and live events for CBS Entertainment. "James is the ultimate performer -- actor, singer and comedian -- and the perfect choice to host this prestigious and always entertaining live television event."

"James is one of those rare performers whose gifts translate perfectly to both the Broadway stage and the television screen, making him the ideal choice to host the Tony Awards. The last time he was at the Tonys, he went home with one. We think he'll have even more fun as host. This is going to be one unforgettable show," remarked Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens, president of the American Theatre Wing, in a joint statement.

Previous Tony Awards hosts include Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris.