Tears for Norton as ten-year ‘gig’ at Radio 2 ends
GRAHAM NORTON yesterday paid an emotional tribute to his Radio 2 listeners after he called time on his show after ten years. Norton, who has quit the show to start a new career with Virgin Radio, initially tried to play down his sadness over leaving. At the beginning of the live show, he reassured listeners that he was leaving Wogan House, Central London, in a taxi, not a hearse. Reading out messages from listeners, he said: ‘Shall we just put it in brackets that everyone’s sad it’s my last show? ‘Just bear in mind, as you’re doing your sadness, when I leave here today, I’m leaving in a taxi not a hearse. We’re okay. I’ll still be in the world. I j ust won’t be here. That’s all.’ But in the closing minutes of the show, which has been a huge hit for the Irish star, he admitted he was having t o hold back t he tears. He said: ‘It’s just a gig, it is just a job, but i t has also been a privilege to be part of your mornings. I’m getting emotional now. Someone told me I’d get emotional and I said, “No I won’t, I really won’t… I’ll just think of the six flights of stairs I climb up.” Tears gone now.’
He added :‘ It’ s lovely just sharing your lives and hearing your messages, and that’s been the greatest joy of being on Radio 2, it really has.’
He chose what he described as his favourite song, S Club 7’s Reach For The Stars, to play out the longrunning show.
The 57-year-old is one of the BBC’s biggest and best-paid stars.
Since 2007 he has also hosted a hugely popular television chat show, attracting Hollywood and pop royalty, and is the Corporation’s presenter for t he annual Eurovision Song Contest.
Claudia Winkleman, the co- host of Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly, is set to replace Norton as host of the Radio 2 show, starting in February.
When Norton joins Virgin, he will host shows on Saturday and Sunday.