Graham Norton Tames Racy Persona to Avoid Creepiness

Graham Norton has admitted that he's toned down his racy personality on screen because he doesn't want to look 'creepy'.

The BBC chat show host, 62, has been a fixture of TV screens in Britain and Ireland for almost four decades and has cemented himself as a national treasure. 

Known for his innuendo-laden commentary, Graham started out as a stand-up comedian before moving into television - eventually getting his first chat show on the BBC in 2005. 

But it was two years later that the now-institution The Graham Norton Show made its debut.

However despite his popularity, Graham has said he is moving away from raunchy commentary now he is in his 60s.

He said: 'When we started doing talk shows, I was in my 30s and it was quite raunchy. I would be in the audience, talking to them about their sex lives and stuff.

Graham Norton has admitted that he's toned down his racy personality on screen because he doesn't want to look 'creepy' (Seen in January)

The BBC chat show host, 62, has been a fixture of TV screens in Britain and Ireland for almost four decades and has cemented himself as a national treasure (Seen in 2004)

'That is fine when you're in your 30s, but when you're in your 60s, that's kind of creepy.

'So I felt I had to stop. And so, as I have changed, the show has changed.'

But away from the glitz and glamour of TV work on his chat show, awards shows and Eurovision commentary Graham enjoys a low-key happy life with his husband.

Irishman Graham married Scottish filmmaker partner Jonathan 'Jono' McLeod in 2022 in a private ceremony in Cork attended by just 120 guests. 

And the pair live a life away from the Showbiz circuit, regularly spending time in Graham's native Ireland and are never seen together at public events.

Last year it was revealed that Graham put his gorgeous New York townhouse on the market just a week after revealing he was also selling his £4.95million east London mansion after 20 years of living in the grade-II listed home.

Amid the move Graham said he was 'finally feeling brave enough to make a big change in his life' - possibly alluding to stepping back from the spotlight even more with his husband.

He told The Sunday Times: 'We've been thinking about it for a couple of years and I finally feel brave enough to make a huge change to my life. 

Despite his popularity, Graham has said he is moving away from raunchy commentary now he is in his 60s (Seen earlier this week)

Known for his innuendo-laden commentary, Graham started out as a stand-up comedian before moving into television - eventually getting his first chat show on the BBC in 2005 (Seen in 1999)

'My favourite times have definitely been enjoying a drink sitting by the river on a summer's evening.'

Last February Graham confirmed that he was leaving his weekend shows on Virgin Radio after three years as he scaled back his radio work.

The Irish presenter had hosted The Graham Norton Radio Show on the station since 2021 alongside Maria McErlane. 

Announcing the news of his departure live on his show, Graham said: 'The show isn't quite the normal show today because I have a bit of an announcement to make. I'm kind of off! I'm leaving weekends here at Virgin Radio.'

Graham explained live on-air: 'I'll still be popping up at the station from time to time but my regular Saturday and Sundays, I'm stepping away. 

'I've worked weekends between here and the old place for 13 years and my life has changed a bit, so I thought, "Oh, I want my weekends back!"'

He has also been spending more time back in his native Ireland and regularly heads back to west Cork. 

In 2023 Graham broke his silence on his marriage to Jonathan, revealing that he wed the filmmaker in July 2022.

The lavish do was held with 120 guests in attendance with a rumoured performance from music icon Lulu while drag queen Panti Bliss DJed.

Graham later told The Guardian about the day as he joked that 'till death do us part' was 'more achievable' at the age of 60. 

He said: 'I had a joke in my speech: the vows are much more manageable. 'Till death do us part' seems more achievable at our age. 

'If you get married at 23, that's a big ask. We only have to put up with each other for a couple of decades. And then I'll be out of here.' 

Graham, previously among the BBC's highest earners, is no longer one of the top-paid presenters on the publicly funded broadcaster.

He left BBC R2 in 2020 and his BBC One show is produced by an independent company, meaning his earnings are not reflected in the annual list of highest earners. 

Graham and his husband Jonathan are often seen walking through Hampstead with their black cockapoo named Douglas.