Rob Brydon once had to have a word with James Corden over the actor 'becoming ratty and irritable'.
Following the drama involving James and his brief ban from a top New York City due to his treatment of waiting staff, the showbiz world has been reacting to the scandal - with past comments from Gavin & Stacey star Rob regarding his co-star's behaviour resurfacing online.
Rob, who plays Uncle Bryn in the BBC sitcom James and Ruth Jones created, spoke candidly about The Late, Late Presenter in 2019 - recalling how he once had to take the British star out for lunch one day to have a word with him over concerns about his attitude as he 'burnt the candle at both ends'.
On Monday, James, 44, was accused of 'yelling like crazy' at staff at a New York City restaurant in a now-viral post on social media from Balthazar chain owner Keith McNally, with the restaurateur briefly imposing a ban on the comedian - an action Loose Women star Coleen Nolan says is worthy of a medal.
After slamming James publicly on social media, Keith then returned to Instagram on Tuesday to let his followers know that the actor had issued a grovelling apology over the phone and thanks to the restaurant owner firmly believing in second chances, the ban has since been lifted.
Since cutting his teeth on British shows like Teachers, Little Britain and Channel 4 show Hollyoaks, James became a household name after he and Ruth co-created the hit sitcom Gavin & Stacey in 2007 - with James eventually going on to make it big in America as the host of The Late, Late Show in 2015.
Recalling James' incredible rise to fame - and the problems that come with global success - Uncle Bryn actor Rob said in 2019: "I’d known him for a while – we met on a big comedy-drama called Cruise of the Gods in about 2002.
"I was very impressed by him, although he was very young, very green – very provincial is how I would describe him, not unlike myself at that age. He is such a talent, James, good God he really is. So he was on a rollercoaster."
Despite admiring his co-star, Rob added: "He was burning the candle at both ends, and becoming ratty and irritable," before describing how he took James out for lunch to have a word with the star about his behaviour.
On Monday, Balthazar chain owner Keith, 71, had hit out at James on Instagram, claiming a waiter was "left shaken" after the star became upset that the egg white was mixed with the yolk in his omelette.
Taking to Instagram again the next day, Keith revealed James had apologised for his behaviour, telling his followers: "James Corden just called me and apologized profusely. Having f****d up myself more than most people, I strongly believe in second chances.
"So if James Corden lets me host his Late Late Show for 9 months, I'll immediately rescind his ban from Balthazar. No, of course not.
"But... anyone magnanimous enough to apologize to a deadbeat layabout like me (and my staff) doesn't deserve to be banned from anyway. Especially Balthazar. So come back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Corden, Jimmy Corden. All is Forgiven. xx"
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