Norton will have Claudia Winkleman stepping in for him as host, which is only the second time he’s missed an episode since the programme began in 2007.
Jack Whitehall took on presenting duties back in 2019 while Norton was busy with Eurovision commitments
Winkleman, who is known for her work presenting Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors, appeared on The Graham Norton Show back on Friday, January 10.
Join Claudia Winkleman next week for our season finale, with @rachelchinourir, @robbeckettcomic, Toby Jones, Saoirse-Monica Jackson and @prattprattpratt !✨ #TheGNShow
— Graham Norton Show (@TheGNShow) February 21, 2025
It was here that Norton revealed she would be stepping in for him for the episode at the end of February.
Why is Graham Norton missing on The Graham Norton Show tonight?
Norton will be on tour in Australia when the episode is filming which is why he won’t be around.
Announcing this when Winkleman appeared on the chat show he said: “Claudia does have another little job coming up,” he said after a conversation about the ongoing season of The Traitors.
“Because, at the end of this series I’m popping off to do a tour of Australia and my seat is going to be filled for one week only by none other than Claudia Winkleman.”
The news was greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the studio audience and Norton’s other guests, although Winkleman’s own response was to self-deprecatingly say: “I apologise.”
Norton’s tour, titled ‘An Evening with Graham Norton’, will see him reflect on his TV highlights and big moments in his career.
A synopsis of the show on the TEG Dainty website shares: “He will share his favourite laugh-out-loud moments and tales from behind the scenes of his legendary sofa chats with the world’s biggest TV and film stars.
“Filled with candid reflections using his sharp wit comedy, we all know and love, this retrospective will offer a rare glimpse into where it all began.
“Honest, hilarious and featuring an exclusive audience Q&A, this is an evening you won’t want to miss and a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s most beloved stars live!”
Recommended reading:
In a synopsis of tonight’s episode on the Radio Times, it reads: “Claudia Winkleman steps in as guest host, while Graham takes a break.
“Hollywood star Chris Pratt talks about his new sci-fi comedy drama The Electric State, comedian Rob Beckett discusses the return of his titular panel game Smart TV and actress Saoirse-Monica Jackson talks about the new BBC drama series, This City Is Ours.
“Plus, Toby Jones – of Mr Bates vs The Post Office fame – discusses his role as Richard Burton’s inspirational teacher in Mr Burton and Rachel Chinouriri performs her single All I Ever Asked.”
The Graham Norton Show airs at 10.40pm on BBC One on Friday, February 28 with further episodes on BBC iPlayer.
