Graham Norton is back, ready to dazzle with his signature snazzy suits and infamous red sofa as The Graham Norton Show returns to screens.
For almost 30 years, Norton has been a fixture in British television, offering up the perfect blend of wit, charm, and cheeky humour that keeps his audience — and his star-studded guests — coming back for more.
With nearly two decades of hosting on the BBC alone, Norton has established himself as a maestro of celebrity banter. His ability to create a relaxed atmosphere on set is unmatched, effortlessly drawing out amusing anecdotes from the A-listers who sit elbow-to-elbow on his sofa.
As Norton puts it, the show is like a TV party that gets the weekend started with a swing — and it's one he’s still delighted to host after all these years.
“I’ve been doing this for so long, yet every time I sit in that chair, there’s still a buzz,” Norton shares. “It’s like riding a bike — familiar but exciting at the same time.”
Now celebrating the release of his fifth novel, Frankie, which he calls his "most ambitious yet," Norton continues to surprise audiences with his versatility. With four bestselling books already to his name, his success as a novelist shows he's just as talented behind the keyboard as he is on camera. But it’s his role as the host of one of the UK’s most beloved chat shows that keeps fans flocking to their screens.
Back to the Studio Magic
After a six-month break, Norton is set to return to the studio, and while it’s business as usual, there’s still a spark of excitement for the seasoned host. “On that first day back, it’s strange but exhilarating. There’s something about being on that set — it’s so familiar, yet the energy is always fresh. The audience arrives, the guests sit down, and you never quite know where the night will take you.”
Norton’s ritual before the show is refreshingly low-key: a simple routine of seeing familiar faces, donning his suit, and enjoying a pre-show glass of wine. “I used to have superstitions back when I was doing stand-up — same shoes, same routine — but then I forgot one day, and it turned out fine,” he says with a laugh. “Now, I just focus on the people around me and getting into the zone.”
Star Power and Dream Guests
Over the years, The Graham Norton Show has been known for attracting some of the biggest names in the industry, but even for a veteran like Norton, there are moments of awe. One such moment came last season when Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts finally graced the red sofa after being on Norton’s dream guest list for years.
“Booking Julia was a huge moment for everyone on the show,” Norton reveals. “It was like we finally caught the legendary catfish we’d been chasing. And she didn’t disappoint — she was lovely, down-to-earth, and the audience couldn’t have loved her more. She brought the whole group together, even with giants like Cher, Tom Hanks, and Timothée Chalamet on the same sofa.”
While The Graham Norton Show has long been a hotspot for established stars, Norton and his team also take pride in spotlighting rising talent. “Sometimes, I’ll see a name on the guest list and think, ‘Who’s that?’ But then I’ll chat with the team and realise I’ve seen them in the latest buzzworthy show. The beauty of the format is that even if the audience isn’t familiar with someone at first, the energy of the sofa brings everyone into the fold.”
The unique vibe of the show is something that even Hollywood heavyweights appreciate. Timothée Chalamet, when seated next to icons like Cher and Julia Roberts, described the experience as “such a trip.” Norton agrees: “That sofa just turbocharges everything. After bringing it back post-Covid, I’ve realised how much of a difference it makes.”
A Taste for Risqué Humour
Norton’s show is also known for its boundary-pushing moments, with guests often venturing into cheeky or even risqué territory. Last season, for example, Alan Cumming riffed on scrotal ageing, and Michael Fassbender discussed a sex aid.
Though Norton admits that at times he finds himself thinking, “Do we really have to go there?” the BBC has rarely cut anything for being too bold.
“If the audience finds it funny, it stays,” he says with a smile. “And honestly, that’s the essence of the show — it’s a reflection of the fun we’re having in the studio.”
Looking Ahead: More Laughs, More Stories
As Norton celebrates three decades of success, he’s not slowing down. His fifth novel Frankie — which spans from 1950s West Cork to 1960s New York — represents his most ambitious literary work to date. “I had to do research this time,” Norton says of the book, which blends real and fictional characters. “It’s different, but I really enjoyed the process.”
On the show front, Norton is still hoping to land Brad Pitt — another name that’s been on his dream guest list for years. “Brad doesn’t really do talk shows, especially in the UK, but you never know. Maybe if I say it out loud, like I did with Julia, it’ll happen!”
As for the future of The Graham Norton Show, Norton has no immediate plans to step away from the swivel chair. “I feel lucky to still be enjoying it and to have an audience who wants to watch. I don’t see why I’d stop while it’s still so much fun.”
The Graham Norton Show airs Tuesdays at 20:00 on BBC Brit, Channel 120 on DStv.
