Jonathan Ross Opens Up About Rivalry with Graham Norton Over Star Guests
In a candid interview, television presenter Jonathan Ross has addressed his long-standing rivalry with fellow chat show host Graham Norton, specifically questioning why Norton consistently secures "bigger" American names for his program. Both presenters have dominated UK television for decades, each attracting major audiences with their interviews of celebrities from various fields.
A Shift in Dynamics and Viewing Figures
Ross, who recently moved to ITV, highlighted the apparent competition brewing between the two. When asked about who lands more prominent guests, the 65-year-old told the Times: "He gets American names. And I am not quite sure why that is." He elaborated on viewing figures, noting that while Norton's show performs better in initial broadcasts, catch-up viewing levels the playing field.
"They are slightly better but on catch-up we are about the same," Ross explained. "Last week, for example, our show beat the BBC until the news came on. So it's a healthy show. I don't think his figures are much better than mine, but I think they have a better relationship with the studios and by better I mean more conciliatory."
New Competition on the Horizon
Both presenters may face stiffer competition soon with the imminent launch of The Claudia Winkleman Show. Scheduled to begin on Friday, March 13, at 10:40pm, Winkleman's debut will feature guests like Jeff Goldblum, Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Saunders, and comedian Tom Allen. The BBC hopes this blend of entertainment and humor in a classic chat show format will become a weekend favorite.
The first series is set to run for seven episodes through spring, giving Winkleman a prime late-night slot for her first venture into headlining her own chat show. This development adds a new layer to the competitive landscape of UK television.
Ross's New Venture: Handcuffed
Ross's comments come after last year's announcement that he will present a new social experiment called Handcuffed on Channel 4. The show features 18 Brits handcuffed together as they compete to win £100,000, with participants from diverse lifestyles and beliefs aiming to test survival and unity.
Speaking about the show, Ross said: "I believe this experiment will go a small way to healing a fractured Britain; after all, to know is to love. I'm rooting for our couples to go the distance and not let our differences overpower us." Commissioning Editor Tim Hancock added: "Funny, intense, and featuring a cast reflecting a truly diverse range of British characters, this is the kind of social experiment you'd only see on Channel 4. The series aims to capture modern Britain by examining its divisions and hopefully helping mend some of them too."
As the chat show arena evolves with new entrants and formats, Ross and Norton's rivalry continues to spark discussions about star power, audience engagement, and the future of television entertainment in the UK.
