Beloved television presenter Graham Norton has opened up about his challenging recovery journey following major shoulder replacement surgery earlier this year, candidly discussing both his physical progress and unexpected weight gain during the healing process.
Road to Recovery: From Surgery to Cycling
The 62-year-old chat show icon underwent a complete shoulder replacement procedure in late spring, just days before his scheduled return to work as a commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest. Norton revealed that the surgery addressed a long-standing injury originating from a childhood accident where he broke his collarbone.
"My left shoulder has always been a bit odd since I broke my collarbone as a boy," Norton explained, noting that in recent years the joint had become increasingly painful and sore to the point where he was struggling to sleep.
Following the operation, which involved fitting porcelain and plastic components into the joint, Norton embarked on an intensive rehabilitation programme. After several months of regular physiotherapy sessions, the Irish presenter has made remarkable progress, confirming that the shoulder pain has now completely disappeared.
Embracing Active Lifestyle Again
One of the most significant milestones in Norton's recovery has been his return to cycling, his favourite physical activity. "I don't know if I've mentioned my full shoulder replacement," he shared during an episode of his Wanging On podcast with co-host Maria McErlane. "Such has the healing been, I'm back on my bike."
Norton expressed particular enthusiasm about cycling around London, where he maintains a home, praising the city's super cycle lanes while comparing the experience to riding in New York. He also disclosed that he occasionally uses electric Lime bikes, especially when tackling hills near his new home, though he hasn't revealed its exact location.
The television personality admitted that his age sometimes leads other cyclists to underestimate his abilities. "I think I'm misjudged - people kind of think, oh, look at that old man, I'll pass [him]. Well, they've misjudged me!" he declared with characteristic humour.
Candid Confessions and Lifestyle Changes
During his podcast appearance, Norton didn't shy away from discussing the less glamorous aspects of his recovery. When McErlane jokingly remarked, "I'm so relieved because you got so fat," Norton laughed and replied, "I know. Huge! I ballooned," acknowledging the weight gain resulting from his extended period of inactivity.
The presenter also revealed an unexpected sartorial development in his life, telling listeners about his "special jeans for cycling," joking that the stretchy denim works "for cycling - or getting fat."
Beyond his physical recovery, Norton has been navigating another major life change - moving house. The star has been in the process of selling both his £4.95 million Georgian townhouse in east London, where he lived for two decades, and his long-owned New York carriage house. He admitted the moving process left him "frazzled" and revealed he discovered he's "a hoarder" after emptying cupboards filled with decades of belongings.
Despite these challenges, Norton appears to be in excellent spirits and healthier than he has felt in years. His recovery reached another milestone over the summer when he was able to swim daily in the bay near his Irish home, marking a complete return to the active lifestyle he values so highly.
