Graham Norton

"The rooms weren't empty, they were filled with the absence of someone."

Graham Norton is one of the UK's most treasured comedians and presenters. Born in Clondalkin, a suburb of Dublin, Norton's first big TV appearance was as Father Noel Furlong on Channel 4's Father Ted in the early 1990s. He then secured a prime time slot on Channel 4 with his chat shows So Graham Norton and V Graham Norton.

Known for his quick wit Graham began hosting a variety of talent shows on BBC One from Strictly Dance Fever and Andrew Lloyd Webber's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? to The Eurovision Song Contest and BAFTAs. Graham was soon approached by the BBC to front his own self-titled chat show The Graham Norton Show in 2007.

Graham Norton has won 9 BAFTAs for Best Entertainment Performance, and Best Entertainment Programme. He presents The Graham Norton Show on BBC1, a show on BBC Radio 2 every Saturday, and is a judge on RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Norton won the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards in 2017.

What kinds of books does Graham Norton write?

He writes contemporary fiction novels and memoirs. His fiction often mixes humour with more serious themes such as family, identity and belonging.

Which book should I start with if I'm new to his writing?

For fiction, try Frankie or Holding. For non-fiction, start with one of his memoirs such as So Me or The Life and Loves of a He Devil.

Are Graham Norton’s novels part of a series or standalone?

They are primarily standalone novels and memoirs rather than entries in an ongoing series.

What themes recur in Norton’s novels?

Common themes include family drama, exile and belonging, resilience and identity, often told with warmth and comedic touches.

Has Graham Norton won any major awards related to his work?

Yes. He has won nine BAFTAs for Best Entertainment Performance and Best Entertainment Programme, and he received the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards in 2017.