As far back as he can remember James Corden has only ever wanted to be in one place: in front of you, doing something to make you cry, shout, scream or giggle uncontrollably; whether it's entertaining the congregation at his baby sister's christening at the age of four, clowning around in class, or snogging Sue Barker in front of thousands of people at Sports Relief.

But it wasn't that easy getting there. Growing up, his dad would drive him up and down to London for auditions, sometimes three or four times a week, only to be met with constant knockbacks. Even the teenage distractions of girls, forming his own pop group, attempted (and failed) shoplifting, or the endless detentions he'd get from exasperated teachers didn't put him off. He knew where he wanted to be and he'd keep on trying until he got there.

May I Have Your Attention Please? Is the story of how it all happened. From his time as one of the founding players of his school's first ever rugby team to nationwide fame as the loveably loud Smithy in the award-winning Gavin & Stacey, this is a tenderly - and very funnily - told story of what it's like to try, try and try again and get there in the end.

First published: Wednesday 28th September 2011