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WATCH: James Corden pays tribute to Orlando victims at the Tonys

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On Saturday, Late Late Show presenter James Corden revealed he was feeling anxious about hosting his first Tony Awards ceremony this weekend.

And as news of the worst mass shooting in US history broke that night, the British comedian's task was made all the more difficult.

Yesterday afternoon a tweet was posted to the Tony's official Twitter account stating that the entire ceremony would be dedicated to those affected by the mass shooting which left 50 people dead and 53 injured.

It read: “Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando.  Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected.  The Tony Awards dedicate tonight’s ceremony to them.”

And 37-year-old James met the challenge perfectly as he paid tribute to the victims of the Orlando shooting in his opening speech.

With his back to the audience, speaking directly to the camera, he said: "On behalf of the whole theatre community and every person in this room, our hearts go out to all of those affected by this atrocity. All we can say is you are not on your own right now. Your tragedy is our tragedy.”

“Theatre is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, is embraced and is loved."

“Hate will never win. Together we have to make sure of that. Tonight’s show stands as a symbol and a celebration of that principle. This is the Tony Awards."

Numerous attendees on the night were spotted wearing a special translucent ribbon in remembrance of the victims of the attack.

Among them was How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris and Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett.

Centre Image: Evan Agostini

Feat Image: Getty

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