Graham Norton is stepping down from his Virgin Radio weekend shows after three years.
The 60-year-old presenter has hosted The Graham Norton Radio Show since 2021 alongside Maria McErlane on the station but he shared a shock announcement with listeners on Saturday (February 24) morning.
Sharing the news of his departure live on air, Graham said: ‘It is my final weekend of shows here at Virgin Radio.” He added that he’s not leaving Virgin Radio completely but will be stepping away from the weekend schedule with immediate effect. His final show will air tomorrow (Sunday, February 25).
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According to MailOnline, Graham is reportedly in the running to take over Steve Wright’s Love Songs on BBC Radio 2 following the veteran DJ’s tragic death earlier this month. The legendary broadcaster was found dead at his London flat on February 12.
(Image: Getty Images)
Wright had fronted the radio show since 1996, featuring classic romance tracks, along with dedications and real-life love stories. It has been reported that BBC bosses are keen to keep Love Songs going in some form with a new presenter. Among those suggested by insiders include Michael Ball, Davina McCall and Graham, who presented a Saturday show for a decade until he moved to Virgin Radio.
Michael already presents a show on Radio 2 on Sundays and Davina has previously filled in for Claudia Winkleman, who is set to leave her Saturday mid-morning show in March.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Clarifying the news for one listener who had “muted their headphones to drink a latte” during the announcement, Norton confirmed it’s not a break and that he will be leaving his weekend show – but, in a cryptic addition, confirmed it won’t be the last fans hear of him on Virgin Radio.
Fans have been left gutted with one writing on X, formerly known as Twitter,: “Excuse me what. #GrahamNorton leaving @VirginRadioUK weekend shows. Love listening to his show.” Another added: “Sad to see #GrahamNorton is leaving the mid morning slot on @VirginRadioUK. He’ll be missed as a comforting radio listener routine for many across the globe. Good luck with your new schedule, whatever that may look like. Love ya @grahnort.”
(Image: PA)
One more typed: “Graham Norton announcing he’s leaving his radio show is not the start to the weekend I was hoping for. Will miss him and @mariamcerlane dreadfully.” The presenter, of course, is also known for his iconic chat show, The Graham Norton Show, which sees him hosts stars from across the world of entertainment on BBC One.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
