Entertainment

Jack Whitehall replaces Graham Norton as host misses first show in 20 years

Eurovision duties have forced the presenter to miss the show.
Eurovision duties have forced the presenter to miss the show. Eurovision duties have forced the presenter to miss the show.

Jack Whitehall will host The Graham Norton Show when the regular presenter misses his first show in 20 years.

Norton will be absent for the first time in two decades in order to travel to Tel Aviv for the Eurovision song contest.

Whitehall has been chosen to stand in for the BBC presenter and is filled with “fear and excitement” at the prospect.

The comedian will host The Graham Norton Show on May 17, when the regular host travels to Israel.

Norton has assured fans – and warned Whitehall – that he will return to the show following Eurovision.

Man of La Mancha Press Night – London
Man of La Mancha Press Night – London Graham Norton will be travelling to Israel. (Ian West/PA)

Whitehall will welcome guests Luke Evans, Paloma Faith and Gwendoline Christie to the famous red couch.

The comedian said: “I was so honoured Graham asked me to do this for him. The thought of stepping into his huge showbiz boots fills me in equal measure with fear and excitement.

“Worst case, I will make everyone appreciate just how lucky we are to have him.”

Norton has presented his award-winning show on the BBC since 2007, and it has had a home on BBC One since 2009.

During his time on Channel 4, he hosted So Graham Norton and V Graham Norton.

According to the BBC, this is the first time Norton has missed a show in 20 years as a host, but he has assured fans he will return.

Norton said: “I’m thrilled to know that I am leaving the show in Jack’s capable hands. He is bound to do an amazing job.

“I should warn him not to get too comfortable in my chair though, because like a slightly fey Terminator, I’ll be back.”

The one-off Whitehall show will air on May 17.

The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final airs the following evening.