In a candid new interview, television icon Jonathan Ross has opened up about his long-standing rivalry with fellow chat show host Graham Norton, just as Claudia Winkleman prepares to make her own debut in the competitive late-night arena. Ross, 65, who has been interviewing A-list celebrities for nearly four decades, acknowledged that Norton, 62, consistently attracts bigger movie stars to his programme.
The BBC Advantage and a Gracious Competitor
Jonathan Ross attributed Graham Norton's ability to secure top-tier Hollywood guests to the unique advertising-free environment of the BBC. "You cannot advertise on the BBC," Ross noted, suggesting this factor gives Norton an edge in luring major film actors. Despite this, Ross expressed no resentment towards his Irish counterpart, stating emphatically: "I've never looked at another person's show and thought I wish that wasn't on, or I never felt threatened by another person's show."
He elaborated on his philosophy of focusing on his own performance rather than worrying about competition. "All you can really do is do your show as well as you can and hopefully you'll find an audience — and if it doesn't, they'll let you know and you'll stop doing it," Ross told The Sun.
Warm Wishes for Claudia Winkleman's New Venture
As Claudia Winkleman, 54, gears up to launch her self-titled chat show on BBC One on Friday, March 13 at 10.40pm, Ross offered his full support. The father-of-three praised Winkleman's charm and professionalism, saying: "I suspect Claudia will do great. She's such a charming person. She's a really lovely host. She knows what she's doing. I don't know anyone who doesn't like her."
Ross confirmed he will be tuning in alongside the rest of the nation, adding: "I'll be watching along with everyone else, looking forward to it and rooting for her."
A Look at the Chat Show Veterans' Careers
Jonathan Ross began his career in the presenter's chair back in 1987 with The Last Resort, followed by One Hour with Jonathan Ross a year later. After hosting various programmes throughout the 1990s, he moved to the BBC in 2001 where he fronted the popular Friday Night With Jonathan Ross until 2010. Since 2011, he has been hosting his current chat show on ITV.
Meanwhile, Graham Norton has been at the helm of his own successful BBC chat show since 2007, building a reputation for attracting Hollywood's elite.
Claudia Winkleman's Unique Debut Approach
In a playful first look at her new series, Claudia Winkleman poked fun at her well-known love of fake tan by slapping orange paint on her face and declaring, "I'm ready!" A teaser trailer released earlier this week shows the former Strictly Come Dancing host placing small oranges into a bucket of gloop while joking that the colour "isn't orange enough" for her liking.
After checking the paint's hue, Winkleman addresses viewers directly: "Hi, it's Claud here. I have a new show, I am really getting prepared. They want me to tell you it starts on Friday the 13th, well, I've had a good run." She concludes the teaser by applying the paint to her face, pouting at the camera, and walking off screen with her signature wit intact.
Star-Studded Lineup and Thematic Set Design
Claudia Winkleman's debut episode will feature an impressive roster of guests including Hollywood legend Jeff Goldblum, comedy icon Jennifer Saunders from Absolutely Fabulous, comedian Tom Allen, and The Devil Wears Prada star Vanessa Williams.
The show's set design reportedly draws inspiration from the aesthetic of The Traitors castle, recreating a look that has become "synonymous with Claudia" through her hosting duties on the popular reality series.
Speaking about her new role, Winkleman previously expressed both excitement and humility: "I can't quite believe it and I'm incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity. I'm obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I'm over the moon they're letting me try."
