Graham Norton was notably missing from his hosting duties on The Graham Norton Show tonight for a very special reason. The penultimate episode of the BBC chat show aired on Friday night, but instead of seeing Graham in his iconic chair, viewers were treated to a guest host – the beloved Claudia Winkleman.
Claudia, well-known for her appearances on The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing, stepped into Graham’s shoes for the first time ever. She welcomed a star-studded lineup of guests including Hollywood actor Chris Pratt discussing his new sci-fi comedy drama, Derry Girls’ Saoirse-Monica Jackson promoting the new BBC drama series, and comedian Rob Beckett returning for a new series of panel game.
British actor Toby Jones and singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri also made appearances on the show, adding to the excitement for fans. Graham Norton had previously announced his absence from the series’ finale as he embarked on his Australian live tour in February, performing across multiple cities throughout March.
Claudia graciously agreed to fill in for Graham during his absence, with the show’s final new episode of the series airing this week before returning in the autumn with Graham back as the host. The upcoming episode promises to be a compilation show, highlighting some of the best moments from the recent series, featuring a star-studded lineup including Demi Moore, Timothée Chalamet, Cher, and more.
During her guest hosting stint, Claudia engaged in lively conversations with the guests, including Chris Pratt who shared anecdotes about his new sci-drama and his relationship with his father-in-law, bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger. Saoirse-Monica Jackson reflected on her journey from Derry Girls to her new role in a BBC drama, describing it as a “love letter to Liverpool.”
Toby Jones opened up about playing real-life figures in his recent projects, expressing honour and gratitude for the opportunities. Rob Beckett, on the other hand, shared insights into his new series and the fun he has on set with his co-stars, promising viewers plenty of laughs and entertainment.
Singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri capped off the show with a live performance before joining Claudia for a chat about her music career. The episode concluded on a high note as Claudia, along with Chris Pratt, participated in the hilarious segment of the Big Red Chair, delighting audiences with funny stories and memorable moments.
The absence of Graham Norton was certainly felt, but Claudia Winkleman’s charm and wit shone through as she effortlessly helmed the show and kept the energy high. Fans can look forward to Graham’s return in the future episodes, while enjoying the exciting lineup and engaging conversations brought by the guest host.
With a mix of entertainment, humour, and heartfelt moments, the episode proved to be a fitting tribute to the spirit of The Graham Norton Show, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the show’s return with Graham back at the helm.