At the time of writing Graham Norton is in the news following comments he made about cancel culture. As a result of social media meltdown he deleted his Twitter account. Norton had been speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival and reports said that he felt the word “cancellation” should be replaced with “accountability’.
This Friday he will be back with his BAFTA-award-winning talk show and will be hoping for a fun chat with his guests that doesn't spark a pile on.
Among the stars joining Graham on his sofa this week are Hollywood's Geena Davis (Thelma and Louise, The Long Kiss Goodnight), talking about her memoir ‘Dying of Politeness’; versatile actor Stephen Graham (Line of Duty, Help) who is currently starring in the gritty powerful true crime drama ‘The Walk-In’ on ITV1; and Strictly favourite Motsi Mabuse promoting her autobiography ‘Finding My Own Rhythm’. Plus Stormzy, who is soon to appear in a Louis Theroux documentary, and more stories from the audience in the Big Red Chair.
In the battle of the chat show hosts Graham Norton seems to have the slight edge over Jonathan Ross at the moment, whose series has just returned too on Saurday nights. Both are good at getting the most out of their guests and both like their guests to interact with each other as well as the host. In fact the only real differentiation between the two shows is the Irish accent and the red chair at the end. I'm surprised Jonathan Ross hasn't come up with his own version. A blue chair perhaps?
Norton's line-up feels a little low key this week. Geena Davis has a great CV but she is not the hottest movie star on the block right now. Stephen Graham is best known for playing intense characters and he is doing another one in The Walk In. I've met him briefly and he is a lot more amiable than his TV roles suggest. I guess that's what you call acting. Motsi Mabuse oozes fun pure and simple. He really needs a stronger comedy act - maybe he will listen to my advice and one will be added, I'll let you know if they are.
The Graham Norton Show, Friday, October 21, 10.40pm, BBC One.
Picture: So Television
