On tonight’s show (10th February), Graham welcomes Hollywood star Salma Hayek Pinault, Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain, Oscar-winning actor Julianne Moore, dancer Johannes Radebe, multi-Grammy-winning singer Lizzo, and singer Tom Grennan.
Salma, talking about Magic Mike's Last Dance, and sensual dance moves, says, “It is very balletic and very sexy. I was terrified about trying to make it look easy, but it really needs strength in the body, which I do not have because I don’t work out.
“You must be very precise and one time when we were rehearsing, and I had to put my legs in a specific position, and I was upside down and I got very confused and was heading straight to the ground headfirst. Channing (Tatum) tried to grab me by my sweatpants, which were coming off. Then I couldn’t remember if I was wearing underwear, so I was hanging on for dear life!”
Shania, talking about her new album Queen of Me, says, “This is my happy album. I often go to my song writing to write myself into the future. These are songs that make me smile and laugh and want to dance and projected myself to where there is sunlight at end of the tunnel. I ended up making a very happy, inspired, and celebratory album.”
Asked about her open throat surgery, she says, “The operation was very invasive, and I’ve got a big scar that I am proud of. I’m very happy to have a scar rather than no voice. The surgery was a miracle, and I am so grateful. Going back into a studio after the operation was a discovery and I was re-learning voice. I can get very loud and now I can swear really loudly!”
Julianne talking about psychological thriller Sharper, says, “It was so much fun to shoot and is surprising. The script was wonderful, and I never knew what was coming when I read it. It stays one step ahead of you the entire time.”
Talking about producing the film and her involvement in the casting, she says, “It is weird and very delicate because I know what it means as I’ve been there so really err on the side of giving everyone a chance. You always want to bring all your positivity towards the challenging process.”
Asked if she will be going to the Oscars this year, she says, “I think if you have a reason to go; you’re nominated or giving an award, then yes, it is amazing to go. But if you’re not involved in that capacity, it is more fun to watch it on television. It’s fun either way.”
Johannes, talking about his new solo touring show Freedom Unleashed, says, “It is upscaled and elevated a little. It is bigger and better. It is incredible that people want to see it again. There will be more sequins, more feathers, and more confetti!”
Revealing that he is taking the show to South Africa, he says, “I’ve been banging on about it and finally I have just confirmation that we can do it. It was lovely going home and seeing how big the UK show was so that has given me the confidence to take it there and to know that people will buy tickets. It is important that it goes back.”
Asked if he is back on Strictly this year, he says, “You always wait for the call and if they call, I’ll say yes. I’m not going back to Africa any time soon!”
Lizzo joins Graham for a chat. Talking about writing her new album, and revealing she wrote 200 songs in three years, she says, “I wrote a lot of songs, but I had to use the crème de la crème.”
Talking about her performance at the upcoming Brits, she says, “Rehearsals are going great, and I am so excited. The show will be a Lizzo sampler platter.”
Asked whether she had rehearsed her acceptance speech at the Grammys, she says, “No. I had absolutely no idea I would win – did you see who I was up against?”
Tom performs his current single Here, live in the studio before joining Graham for a chat.
And finally, Graham pulls the lever on more foolhardy audience members brave enough sit in the world-famous red chair to tell their funniest stories.
The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, Friday 10th February 10.40pm. Also available on BBC iPlayer.
Next week (17th February) Graham’s guests include Dame Judi Dench, Hugh Jackman, Michael B. Jordan, Eugene Levy, Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, and P!nk.
Graham Norton Picture: So Television
