Graham Norton to depart Virgin Radio weekend present
Graham Norton is stepping down from internet hosting his weekend exhibits on Virgin Radio.
The 60-year-old Irish presenter joined the station in 2021 after leaving his BBC Radio 2 Saturday morning present.
Norton made the shock announcement on Saturday morning, telling his listeners he needed to have his “weekends back” after 13 years of radio presenting.
“Now the show isn’t quite the normal show today because I have a bit of an announcement to make – I’m leaving weekends here at Virgin Radio,” he mentioned.
The chat present host mentioned he won’t be leaving Virgin solely, including: “I’ll still be kind of popping up on the station from time to time but my regular Saturday and Sundays, I’m stepping away.”
He added: “I’ve worked weekends between here and the old place for 13 years and my life has changed a bit so I just want my weekends back.
“So actually the subsequent two exhibits, at this time and tomorrow, are me simply saying thanks to you all for listening.”
The slot will be temporarily filled by fellow Irish presenter Angela Scanlon, before a permanent replacement is announced in due course.
Scanlon, who competed on Strictly Come Dancing last year, responded to Norton’s joint Instagram post with Virgin Radio confirming the news, writing the message “miss you already”.
During his Saturday present Norton learn out messages from listeners, thanking him for entertaining them through the years.
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After enjoying You’re The Voice by John Farnham, he closed the present by saying: “Well that’s got me running, running out the door.
“I’ll nonetheless be on Virgin Radio each on occasion however the weekends finish tomorrow.”
He said his final show will feature chats with actor Callum Scott Howells, who stars in the new BBC drama The Way, and actress Laura Donnelly, who will feature in the West End play The Hills Of California.
Norton joined Radio 2 in 2010 on the 10am to 1pm Saturday present, taking up from Jonathan Ross, and spent 10 years within the position.
He moved to Virgin Radio in 2021, along with his BBC slot going to Claudia Winkleman.
(L-R) Hannah Waddingham and Norton on the Eurovision 2023 grand remaining. Pic: AP
After three years within the position, Winkleman introduced that she can be leaving the present in March, to spend extra time together with her rising kids. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan will step into her position.
Norton nonetheless presents The Graham Norton present on BBC One, airing on Friday nights.
He additionally leads the broadcaster’s Eurovision protection – a job he took over from Irish chat present host Terry Wogan in 2009.
Norton’s remaining weekend slot will likely be tomorrow from 9.30am to 12.30pm.