On this week's show (14th January), Graham welcomes double Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, comedy superstar Ricky Gervais, top TV duo Ant and Dec, and rock and roll legend Elvis Costello.
Cate, talking about film noir remake Nightmare Alley, says “Playing a femme fatale is a pretty rare opportunity.” And, asked about the amazing sets, she says, “The production design was incredible – the director was across every single detail – we even had the lighter from The Maltese Falcon but of course it took about 97 takes to get it to work.”
Asked why she looked almost unrecognisable as a news anchor in Don’t Look Up, she says, “Because of Covid it was very difficult to get anyone to do anything, so I happened to have a set of teeth and wig from a previous movie. Everything else is makeup and acting!”
Ant and Dec chat about their new gameshow Ant & Dec's Limitless Win. Asked if it is exciting or frightening to be doing their first game show in 10 years they say in unison, “It’s a bit of both.” Dec adds, “It is exciting but then you realise you are putting something new out there to be criticised and there so many more ways for people to criticise these days than there were 10 years ago!”
The pair explain the rules and then quiz a very competitive Ricky.
Asked if they are saddened to be filming I’m a Celebrity in Wales for a second year, Dec says, “We weren’t saddened but we were surprised. With Covid there was no getting around it.” Ant adds, “If it has to be Wales for another series, we will do it in Wales, but we want to go back to Australia.” Dec interjects, “Australia is the spiritual home of I’m a Celebrity and where it’s been for 20 years, and four weeks there in the sun in October and November is great! We love it and we want to go back.”
Ricky, talking about the success of his comedy-drama After Life, says, “It is overwhelming. I never thought it would be this big and best part has been the emotional response.” Asked why there is a third series when he normally only ever does two, he says, “It felt right, there was more scope, and bigger story. People always think I am crazy to stop at two but there are always new and exciting things to do.”
Asked about the cancelled Golden Globes, he says, “They didn’t happen for loads of reasons. I loved it – the first time I did it 10 years ago people were shocked that I was nasty to celebrities but by the fifth time I think I hit the mark – everyone was being horrible about celebrities; it was part of the zeitgeist. I loved it but it was nerve wracking because you have just once chance not to fluff the joke – it’s like taking a penalty at Wembley! I’m really glad I did it but it’s enough.”
Elvis and the Imposters perform Paint the Red Rose Blue live in the studio before Elvis joins graham for a chat.
Talking about his younger self and performing on Top of the Pops, he says, “When we were first on it was so exciting and then we got a little blasé and it became all about getting into the BBC bar and drinking. There were a few occasions when we were totally hammered. It became a game and eventually we were told off and not invited back!”
The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, Friday 14th January BBC One 10.35pm and available on BBC iPlayer.
Next week (21st January) Graham’s guests include Kenneth Branagh, Vicky McClure, Rachel Zegler, Rose Matafeo, and Emeli Sandé.
Graham Norton Picture: BBC/So Television
