They Call Me Stepney

Sir Patrick Stewart has left us, and the world is poorer for it. Beyond the monumental body of work he gave us across stage, film and television, there was that unforgettable night at the 2010 Glamour Awards when he put James Corden firmly in his place. As host, Corden had been loitering at the back of the stage with his hands in his pockets, looking thoroughly bored while presenters and winners did their thing. Stewart, up to present an award, turned and addressed him directly: “When the presenters are up here and when the recipients are receiving their awards, don’t stand at the back of the stage with your hands in your pockets, looking around as though you wished you were anywhere but here.” Corden, clearly taken by surprise and not used to being spoken to like that, tried to hit back: “You couldn’t be more wrong, sir. You couldn’t be more wrong. If it looked like that, I’m so sorry, but when you come up and present an award, just fucking get on with it!” Stewart wasn’t finished. He followed up with the line that really upset James: “From where I was sitting, I can see your belly, and that was right over there at the back of the room. These people down here…” Corden’s ego clearly couldn’t take it. He got right in Stewart’s face, fuming: “Sorry, I’m waiting for the punchline. Go on? No, seriously, go on? You can see my belly… and we can all see you dying right now! Let’s go?” He then stood there squirming, visibly uncomfortable and completely unused to being told off for his behaviour. Stewart closed it with: “If you fancy the Jonas Brothers, cover your belly.” It was awkward by the end, with people in the room shouting for them to just get on with it. But Stewart had done the job. He called out the lack of professionalism and the visible disdain for the event, and Corden had no real answer beyond wounded pride. Well done, Sir Patrick. Rest in peace. The world will miss you.