Yeah, I was expecting there to be a story attached to the 'abdicates' references, but I always think the Dictionary Corner bits are a bit naff anyway.
I'm not James Corden's biggest fan, but I think he's been fine on the two recent episodes, and funnier on the second one. I think people sometimes get the impression that he tries to hog the limelight when he's on a show, but I didn't get that impression from this at all, especially the second time.
I absolutely love this programme and I much prefer it over the regular 8 Out of 10 Cats. Although I've always been a fan of Countdown too (not that I've seen it much in the last few years), so that might explain it.
Joe Wilkinson can be very hit or miss. It seems like they've been reducing his role recently anyway, so I don't think he'd be missed since he doesn't do much now. I don't have anything against him, but it just doesn't seem necessary to bring him on for the last third/quarter of the programme.