Graham Norton Explains Deliberate Shift Away from Raunchy On-Screen Persona
Beloved BBC chat show host Graham Norton has openly admitted to consciously toning down his traditionally racy television personality as he enters his sixties, candidly revealing he doesn't want to risk appearing 'creepy' to audiences. The 62-year-old presenter, who has been a fixture on British and Irish television screens for nearly four decades, has cemented his status as a national treasure through his long-running career.
From Stand-Up to National Institution
Originally starting his career as a stand-up comedian, Graham Norton successfully transitioned to television, eventually landing his first BBC chat show in 2005. However, it was the 2007 debut of The Graham Norton Show that truly established him as a broadcasting institution, known for its signature blend of celebrity interviews, audience interaction, and the host's trademark innuendo-laden commentary.
"When we started doing talk shows, I was in my 30s and it was quite raunchy," Norton reflected. "I would be in the audience, talking to them about their sex lives and stuff. That is fine when you're in your 30s, but when you're in your 60s, that's kind of creepy. So I felt I had to stop. And so, as I have changed, the show has changed."
A Quieter Life Away from the Spotlight
Beyond the glitz of his television work, which includes his chat show, awards hosting duties, and Eurovision commentary, Norton enjoys a notably low-key personal life with his husband. The Irish presenter married Scottish filmmaker Jonathan 'Jono' McLeod in a private 2022 ceremony in Cork, attended by approximately 120 guests.
The couple deliberately maintains distance from the showbiz circuit, regularly spending time in Norton's native Ireland and avoiding public appearances together. This preference for privacy aligns with recent life changes, including Norton's decision to sell both his New York townhouse and his £4.95 million grade-II listed east London mansion last year after two decades of residence.
"We've been thinking about it for a couple of years and I finally feel brave enough to make a huge change to my life," Norton told The Sunday Times about the move, possibly alluding to stepping further back from the public eye.
Scaling Back Professional Commitments
This shift in personal approach is mirrored in Norton's professional life. Last February, he confirmed his departure from weekend shows on Virgin Radio after three years, explaining his desire to reclaim his weekends after thirteen years of weekend broadcasting across different stations.
"I'll still be popping up at the station from time to time but my regular Saturday and Sundays, I'm stepping away," he announced on air. "My life has changed a bit, so I thought, 'Oh, I want my weekends back!'"
Furthermore, while previously among the BBC's highest earners, Norton is no longer featured on the publicly funded broadcaster's annual list of top-paid presenters. This change followed his 2020 departure from BBC Radio 2 and the fact his BBC One show is now produced by an independent company, meaning his earnings are not disclosed in the same way.
Embracing Marriage and Simplicity
In 2023, Norton broke his silence about his marriage to Jonathan McLeod, revealing details of their July 2022 wedding which reportedly included a performance by music icon Lulu and DJing by drag queen Panti Bliss. He humorously reflected on the marriage vows to The Guardian.
"I had a joke in my speech: the vows are much more manageable," Norton said. "'Till death do us part' seems more achievable at our age. If you get married at 23, that's a big ask. We only have to put up with each other for a couple of decades."
Today, Norton and his husband are often seen enjoying simple pleasures, such as walking through Hampstead with their black cockapoo, Douglas, embodying the quieter, more measured life the presenter now clearly values.
