Where is Graham Norton and why is Claudia Winkleman hosting his BBC chat show?
Graham Norton, renowned for his Friday night BBC chat show where he rubs shoulders with the biggest stars, will be absent from his usual spot this week. Instead, another well-known personality will take the reins.
On the second-to-last episode of the series airing on Friday, February 28, Claudia Winkleman—known for The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing—will fill in for Graham for the first time ever. She'll be hosting a slew of high-profile guests in the studio.
Among those joining Claudia on the sofa are Hollywood actor Chris Pratt, who will discuss his new sci-fi comedy drama The Electric State, Saoirse-Monica Jackson of Derry Girls fame appearing in the new BBC drama series This City is Ours, and comedian Rob Beckett, returning for a new series of panel game Rob Beckett's Smart TV.
British actor Toby Jones, known for his role as Mr Bates in the real-life ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office and currently starring as Richard Burton's inspirational teacher in Mr Burton, will also make an appearance. Singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri will perform her single All I Ever Asked.
The final episode on Friday, March 7, will feature a compilation of highlights from the recent series, showcasing a galaxy of stars including Demi Moore, Timothée Chalamet, Cher, Denzel Washington, Nicole Kidman, Dwayne Johnson, Zoe Saldaña and Hugh Grant, reports the Mirror.
But why is Graham Norton missing? Graham Norton revealed on his show on January 10 that he would be absent for the series finale of The Graham Norton Show. At 61, Graham is set to embark on a trip to Australia in February, gearing up for his first-ever Australian live tour.
His itinerary includes stops in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne throughout March, where he will present An Evening with Graham Norton. The format involves Graham sharing amusing anecdotes and highlights from his career, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
Claudia Winkleman, who was a guest on the show when Graham made the announcement, will be stepping in for him. Expressing her humorous take on the situation, Claudia quipped: "I apologise in advance!" She was on the show alongside Myles Smith, Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, and Billy Porter, and also discussed the third series of The Traitors UK, which was being broadcast at the time.
The Graham Norton Show hosted by Claudia Winkleman on BBC One on Friday, February 28 at 10.40pm
