Entertainment

Gareth Reid wins commission to paint Graham Norton - and finds they are related

The artist won more than he bargained for as he was crowned Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017.
The artist won more than he bargained for as he was crowned Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017. The artist won more than he bargained for as he was crowned Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017.

An artist who won a commission to paint a portrait of Graham Norton has discovered he is the TV presenter’s third cousin.

Gareth Reid said he could not “quite take in the chances” of the pair being related when they met to make a start on the project.

The Irish artist won the £10,000 commission after beating 54 international hopefuls to be crowned Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017.

Gareth presents his portrait of third cousin, Graham.
Gareth presents his portrait of third cousin, Graham.
Gareth presents his portrait of third cousin, Graham (Sky/PA)

Gareth said: “I still can’t quite take in the chances of me, out of all the people who entered, getting the opportunity to paint Graham, out all the people they could have chosen, and it turning out we’re third cousins.

“He is genuinely a lovely guy and he took Suzy (Reid’s partner) and me out for dinner after the unveiling… I’m sure we’ll keep in touch in some form.”

Gareth said his father knew of the connection but had not thought to mention it until after the competition’s final, broadcast on Tuesday.

“It was vague at that point,” he admitted.

From left: Graham and Gareth with presenters Frank and Joan.
From left: Graham and Gareth with presenters Frank and Joan.
From left: Graham and Gareth with presenters Frank and Joan (Sky/PA)

“Some cousins of his thought there was a connection through my granny’s side, the Reynolds in Ballymena, which came to light after Graham featured in the Who Do You Think You Are? programme.”

Research confirmed that Graham’s great-grandfather was James Reynolds and Gareth’s great-grandmother was Christina Reynolds. The two were brother and sister in a family of more than 10.

Gareth won the commission after impressing judges of the series, presented by Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell, with his portraits of actress Imelda Staunton and presenter Adrian Chiles.

His finished portrait will go on display at the National Gallery of Ireland.Graham previously said of the prize: “The idea of my portrait being in the National Gallery of Ireland is is a huge honour.“For the winner, I imagine he or she will have mixed emotions – thrilled by winning, but I’m sure that feeling will pass when they find out who their subject is.“I apologise to the artist and the visitors to the gallery but a combination of vanity and my mother’s excitement meant I couldn’t refuse.”