The Graham Norton Show returns with Covid-friendly changes as the famous sofa is scrapped but star guests return to the studio along with a live audience
- Graham will return to the BBC Television Centre in West London to host along with his famous guests
- Rupert Everett, Lolly Adefope and Sara Pascoe will join Graham in the studio alongside musical guest Roisin Murphy
- Dolly Parton and Riz Ahmed will also appear on the show but via video link
- The Graham Norton Show returns on Friday October 2 at 10.45pm on BBC One
The Graham Norton Show has confirmed it will return next month after undergoing a Covid-friendly shake-up.
The BBC chat show will see the eponymous host and several of his famous guests back at the BBC Television Centre in West London, and the return of a live audience.
However, some celebrity guests will connect remotely via video call, and for those in the studio, the famous sofa will be replaced by individual chairs positioned at a distance.
Going through changes: The Graham Norton Show has confirmed it will return next month after undergoing a Covid-friendly shake-up
For the series 28 launch on October 2, Graham will be joined in person by actor Rupert Everett, actress Lolly Adefope and comedian Sara Pascoe.
Musical guest Roisin Murphy will also perform her single Murphy’s Law from the studio.
Joining the team remotely will be singer Dolly Parton and rapper Riz Ahmed.
New format: The BBC chat show will see the eponymous host and some of his famous guests back at the BBC Television Centre but Dolly Parton and Riz Ahmed will join remotely
The new series will feature a smaller audience in order to allow social distancing, but they will be able to have a go on the Big Red Chair, which is also returning.
The last series of the chat show aired amid the coronavirus lockdown, with episodes being reduced to 30 minutes and screened earlier in the evening.
The programme was presented by Graham from his own home chatting to guests via video link.
The BBC said at the time that it was determined to continue airing the show in a bid to keep Britons entertained amid the health crisis.
Speaking in March, Tony Hall, the former director general, explained: ‘The BBC is determined to do all it can to raise a smile and keep the country entertained during these testing times.
‘We have lots of great shows already recorded, but we have also found ways to keep many other shows going so that the familiar faces people love will still be in their living rooms in the weeks and months ahead.’
The Graham Norton Show returns on Friday October 2 at 10.45pm on BBC One
No more: The famous sofa will be replaced by individual chairs for the guests positioned at a distance when the show returns on Friday October 2 at 10.45pm on BBC One