CBS and producers of “The Late Late Show” said Wednesday that four performers who recently filled in for former host Craig Kilborn would return for what insiders say amounts to on-air tryouts to replace him permanently.
Former ABC sitcom stars D.L. Hughley and Craig Ferguson, comic Michael Ian Black and MTV “Total Request Live” host Damien Fahey, have been invited back to the show later this month for multi-night stints as guest hosts.
All four were among the 20 entertainers who have appeared at least once as guest hosts of the “Late Late” since Kilborn left the show in September, according to the network and Worldwide Pants Inc., the production company owned by David Letterman.
“We received tremendous feedback on these talented individuals during their initial short stints on the show, and we are thrilled to bring them back for more substantial engagements,” said Worldwide Pants executive Rob Burnett.
Worldwide Pants also produces Letterman’s “Late Show,” which precedes “Late Late” on CBS.
Insiders familiar with the situation said the planned returns of Hughley, Ferguson, Black and Fahey were tantamount to on-air call-back auditions for the permanent hosting job.
“This is a celebrity death match,” one source told Reuters. Said another, “These are the four guys that everyone felt strongly about to replace Kilborn.
The network and producers said a new permanent host “will be announced shortly.”