Norton to present shows on Netflix
Graham Norton has sparked fears that he will quit the BBC after landing a gig with streaming giant Netflix.
The chat king, 56, signed a three-year deal with the BBC in 2017.
But he will appear in a special on the US streaming service – and sources say Netflix would be desperate to land him for a chat show if he did quit the Beeb.
Such a move could catapult the Irishman to global superstardom as the streamer reaches more than 60million households in the US alone.
A TV insider said: “Graham already has a profile in the States but Netflix will take him to a whole new level. This is huge for him.”
His potential move follows a similar deal for another top BBC name, Michael McIntyre. The 44-year-old signed a Netflix deal for his comedy show.
Norton will present Netflix is a Joke Fest, in Los Angeles, on May 1.
It is part of a week-long series by the platform, featuring its stable of Hollywood A- listers, including Chris Rock.
Norton is also heading the LGBTV Standout Celebration show with Netflix stars Wanda Sykes and Sandra Bernhard.
He will co-host the event with singer Demi Lovato – one of the biggest names in the States, who has just signed to Netflix’s new Will Ferrell film, Eurovision.
Last night , Norton’s spokesman insisted he had no plans to leave the BBC, adding that the broadcaster “kindly gave permission” for the Netflix appearance.