On this week’s show (12th December) Graham welcomes double Oscar-winner Emma Thompson, Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet, comedy great Rowan Atkinson, British Vogue’s former editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, and Brit Award-winner JADE.
Emma, talking about starring in conspiracy thriller Down Cemetery Road, and asked why she wanted to do it, says, “I knew the book. I love thrillers and have always read them. This is a very good one and so funny, which is unusual. Ruth Wilson and I had a wonderful bond, and we had such a fantastic time making it.”
Asked about taking on an action role, she says, “It turns out that doing stunts in your 60s is a stupid idea. My knees will never be the same again! I kept thinking why didn’t I read the script properly because the stunts are not in the book. I did most of them myself because I think you’ve got to try and do your bit.”
Timothée, talking about his new role in the critically acclaimed comedy-drama Marty Supreme, says, “It is an incredible, unconventional movie with an incredible, unconventional director. It’s about the pursuit of the singular dream of following your heart. I believe it is an important film to put out now. I hope this movie can serve as an antidote to the dark times because ultimately it is about dreaming big.
“What starts off as a table tennis movie, evolves into a heist film, and lands in a very human place.” Adding, “It is one of the films I am most proud of.”
Rowan, talking about returning as the chaotic Trevor Bingley in the new series Man vs. Baby, says, “The first one (Man vs. Bee) turned out to be quite a good idea and did well enough to justify doing some more.”
Asked more his character, he says, “I feel sorry for him. He’s not so psychopathic as he was in Bee and is a genuinely sweet man which is rare in the characters I have played. I think Mr Bean is a selfish, self-centred anarchic child. He looks after number one and is quite charmless. Blackadder is humorous but sarcastic, sardonic, and negative. And, even Johnny English is vain and doesn’t care about anyone else. So, I think Trevor is a pleasant contrast to this catalogue of people you wouldn’t want to have dinner with.”
Talking about the global phenomenon that was Mr Bean, Rowan says, “Back in the 90s pre internet when TV programmes were distributed around the world, I saw the opportunity to stop it being seen in Italy because I liked Italy and wanted to go there on holiday without people recognising me. It worked really well and no one had the slightest idea who I was!”
Asked about not watching himself on screen, he says, “It is by design, but I sometimes see things accidentally. I was on a plane once, and they were showing the last series of Blackadder. I had never seen it before, so I watched it and it quite good. I was surprised how good it was.”
Edward, talking about his new publication 72, and asked why he wanted to launch a magazine, says, “I have spent my whole life working in magazines and wanted to set up a media company, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ I wanted to have fun and create something people will enjoy reading.”
Asked if it was strange having to start from scratch and be his own boss after six years at British Vogue, he says, “I’m having so much fun because I don’t answer to anyone and can do anything I want. It is a great moment, and it feels like the right thing to do right now.”
JADE performs Church live in the studio before joining Graham for a chat.
The Graham Norton Show BBC One and iPlayer Friday 12th December 10.40pm
Next week (19th December) Graham’s guests include Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Jessie Buckley, Michelle de Swarte, and Tom Odell.
Picture: BBC/So Television/The Graham Norton Show/Christopher Baines
