BBC series The Graham Norton Show will be without its host later this month when the presenter will be absent from the programme. This will be Norton’s first time not on the show since he started presenting it in 2007. However, a well-known figure will be stepping in to cover the show while Norton is away and will be hoping to entertain audiences and guests alike.
Why isn’t Graham Norton hosting the show?
Graham Norton will be off in Tel Aviv, Israel preparing for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final which will be taking place on Saturday, May 18.
He will be missing the show that will be recorded that week which will feature guests Luke Evans, singer Paloma Faith and Game of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie.
Whitehall’s episode does not yet have a broadcast date but it could be a week after the recording.
Norton has been serving as the UK’s Eurovision commentator since 2008 after taking over from Sir Terry Wogan, who had previously been the veteran presenter.
He has been hailed for his witty asides on the annual European singing contest in the past.
This year the UK will be represented by singer Michael Rice who will sing the track Bigger Than Us.
Rice was selected in the Eurovision: You Decide show back in February when the public voted from a selection of hopefuls.
Sadly, according to the odds, the UK is once more an outsider to win the competition.
Instead, the Netherlands is the favourite to win the contest with Duncan Laurence and his track Arcade.
Bookmakers Skybet and Betfair have given the nation a 15/8 chance of winning, while William Hill has put the country at 13/8.
Other nations in the running are Russia in second place and Italy in third position.
Who is replacing Graham Norton on The Graham Norton Show?
Comedian and Bad Education star Jack Whitehall will be stepping into Norton’s shoes while he’s absent.
Speaking about standing in for Norton, Whitehall said: “I was so honoured Graham asked me to do this for him.
“The thought of stepping into his huge showbiz boots fills me in equal measure with fear and excitement.”
He added: “Worst case, I will make everyone appreciate just how lucky we are to have him.”
While Norton said of his replacement: “I’m thrilled to know that I am leaving the show in Jack’s capable hands.
“He is bound to do an amazing job. I should warn him not to get too comfortable in my chair though, because like a slightly fey terminator, I’ll be back!!”
The Graham Norton Show airs on BBC One on Friday at 10.35pm
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