So good for Graham’s New Year special...
GRAHAM NORTON is used to showbiz royalty adorning his famous sofa, but there’s an even more regal feeling than usual in the air for this Hogmanay episode.
Taking over as Queen Elizabeth II in the new series of The Crown is Olivia Colman, already something of a national treasure and she’s also playing another monarch – Queen Anne – in critically acclaimed film The Favourite, alongside X-Men star Nicholas Hoult, who joins her in the studio for a chat.
Oscar-nominated actress Keira Knightley will also be appearing, to talk about new biographical movie Colette, and Aussie actor Guy
Pearce (a big
Hollywood star these days, but always
Mike from
Neighbours to us) is on the couch to plug his own historical royal drama
Mary
Queen of Scots.
Music will be provided by pop princess Rita Ora.
Graham takes his rightful place alongside all those royals as king of chat.
His show has been a winner once again this year, thanks to Graham’s unrivalled ability to make sure that the weirdest mix of guests get along like a house on fire.
The American stars are clearly gobsmacked and delighted to realise they can swear, drink and tell rude stories with impunity, while the Brits are so familiar with the genial host that it’s like a friendly natter down the pub.
There’ll also be another helping of Graham this Friday (BBC1 10pm) with his Good Story Guide, as classic clips and favourite guests show what makes a top tale.