Graham Norton has addressed a significant misconception regarding the running of his BBC chat show, The Graham Norton Show, specifically about how guests are arranged on his iconic red sofa. Speaking on the Capital Breakfast Show, he clarified that while the seating is somewhat deliberate, it is not based on the fame hierarchy many assume.
Debunking the Fame Order Myth
The presenter was asked by Sian Welby whether the sofa placement was intentional. Norton confirmed it was, but not in the way often speculated. He explained: "It’s a bit thought out. Mostly it is about product. If you’ve got a big shiny Hollywood film then you’re probably up first because that’s the product of the week. Sometimes we will mix it up."
He elaborated that repeat guests are placed based on where they will feel most comfortable. "A lot of these people have been on before and we go ‘oh, actually they will be better in the middle there and they’ll like having people either side of them.' They’ll feel safer there. And then the comic is always down the end."
This contradicts the long-standing rumour that the seat closest to Norton is the "golden spot" reserved for the biggest star, with agents allegedly vying for that position. Norton joked: "If that's what they think..."
Critique of Richard Osman's Claims
Norton took a playful dig at Richard Osman, who on his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment suggested the fame-order rumour was true. Norton remarked: "The Rest Is Entertainment did a whole thing about it and at the end of it they were going to do a bit about Timothée Chalamet. And Richard Osman is going ‘Oh, Timothée Chalamet he’d be number one.’ And I was like ‘You clearly don’t watch the show' because two weeks ago he wasn’t. Emma Thompson was number one and then Timothée Chalamet and then someone else. And that was just the way it worked out that week."
Comedians and A-Listers
When asked if comedians are deliberately placed next to less lively A-listers to "bring it to life," Norton suggested the opposite. He finds it fascinating to see what makes a Hollywood star laugh. "I always think that having a British comedian down the end and seeing what makes a Hollywood A lister laugh or not laugh tells you more about them than any question I could ask them. Because, you know, they’re media trained and they know what they’re doing. But to see them in situations like that and there’s a clip of Ryan Gosling really laughing. And I love it because Ryan Gosling isn’t being funny or saying anything. But you’re finding out more about Ryan Gosling in that clip than you ever will in an interview."
Another Myth Dispelled
Norton also addressed a claim by Claudia Winkleman that he turned down hosting The Traitors. He said: "Claudia says I turned down The Traitors, but I have no recollection of turning down The Traitors. I would have because I’d have heard 'castle in Scotland for a month' and I’d of been like 'no'."
