At the time, nobody could have imagined that George Michael and James Corden’s 2011 Comic Relief sketch would lead to the creation of one of the most well-known regular television programs of all time: Carpool Karaoke.
James Corden, who recently starred in Gavin & Stacey, opens this “one-off” Comic Relief sketch. Remaining true to his legendary television persona, Smithy answers a call from Lenny Henry. After learning that he is the “bloke off the Premier Inn adverts,” he recognizes him and accepts to travel to the BBC Studios to assist with the yearly charity endeavor.
The shock is genuine as the camera pans around to reveal George Michael riding shotgun! When Smithy refuses to let George accompany him to the BBC, the two get into a fight. Smithy responds, “You’re a joke, George! You call Smithy and co-character Gavin “closet bu*mers,” but George calls them both that. It is awkward. I am unable to accompany you into Comic Relief! Comic Relief exists to support individuals just like you!
Funny enough, George (who was 48 years old at the time) pouts like a child while Smithy blasts “I’m Your Man” by Wham! from the car stereo and starts the theatrical car-singing spectacular that, five years later, would take over late-night American TV. Carpool Karaoke originated when George Michael got involved in the shenanigans.
One year after his public comeback in 2010—the infamous Snappy Snaps car crash event, his arrest, and his eight-week prison sentence for operating a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis and prescription drugs—George performed a skit for Comic Relief.
George Michael, who was born in London, rose to prominence in 1982 with Wham! and continued to top charts throughout the 1990s. However, while his career was filled with songs on both sides of the Atlantic, his personal life was equally filled with tragic tales. His lover Anselmo Feleppa passed away from an AIDS-related brain hemorrhage, and he himself developed addictions before passing away at the age of 53.
At the time of this Comic Relief skit, James Corden was 33 years old. He had previously danced in British films and television shows, including Doctor Who, Hollyoaks, Gulliver’s Travels, Little Britain, and the BRIT Awards. He later made waves in America as the host of The Late Late Show With James Corden and on the internet with its star-studded feature, Carpool Karaoke.
Gavin & Stacey fans will find immediate parallels between this setup and the show’s 2008 Christmas Special (watch the video above!). The entire Comic Relief sketch is a feast for them. James wears the same tri-colored jacket from the Comic Relief version, drives a car that is almost exactly the same, and has his character’s name stickered on it. Smithy even joins in on George Michael’s verse when the radio plays Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”
