Ant And Dec Share Royal Antics On Graham Norton

On the evening of January 23, 2026, BBC One’s iconic The Graham Norton Show returned with a star-studded lineup, offering viewers a blend of laughter, candid revelations, and a touch of musical flair. The episode, airing at the slightly later time of 11:15pm due to a scheduling shift for The Traitors finale, brought together some of the UK’s most beloved entertainers and international stars for a memorable night on the famous red sofa.

Ant and Dec, the ever-popular television presenting duo—Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly—were among the night’s headline guests. Their appearance wasn’t just another chat show drop-in; it was a chance to share stories that had the audience in stitches and reveal a more personal side of their enduring friendship. The pair, who recently launched their new podcast, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, opened up about their adventures, both on and off the screen.

One story that particularly captured the audience’s imagination was their account of an overnight stay at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, the Scottish country residence of the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles. According to BBC and PA Media, Ant explained, “We were following him for a year for a TV show and got on really well with him. We were asked if we would like to spend the night at the house ahead of the final interview. We were like ‘Hell, yes.’ It was amazing and everything you’d imagine.”

The night took a comedic turn when Ant, feeling adventurous, donned a robe he found in his room and set off to find Dec. “I tried on the robe that was in my room and ran out into the corridor to find Dec and there was the Prince. He said hello and started talking to me about pruning roses. I was so embarrassed,” Ant recounted. Dec chimed in with a sheepish grin, “We then had wine in the room and got a bit noisy. We took it a bit far and were asked to be quiet!”

Beyond the laughter, the duo discussed their podcasting debut. Dec described Hanging Out with Ant & Dec as “just two mates catching up,” emphasizing the natural chemistry that has made them household names. He added, “We know each other inside out and we make each other laugh so hopefully people will like it. Our wives are more nervous than us – they think we might give too much away.” Ant echoed the sentiment, noting, “It really is just two mates catching up.” The podcast, already available on Spotify and YouTube, aims to bring fans even closer to the pair’s off-screen camaraderie. Dec also admitted that rediscovering his lost 90s diary for the podcast made his “toes curl backwards in my shoes!”

Joining the duo on the sofa was Emmy-winning actress Claire Foy, best known for her portrayal of a young Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown. Foy was there to promote her latest film, H Is For Hawk, based on the best-selling memoir by naturalist Helen Macdonald. The film, which hit UK cinemas on the very day of the broadcast, explores themes of grief and healing through the story of a woman who attempts to tame a goshawk after her father’s death.

When asked about the film’s exploration of loss, Foy told BBC One, “There is an avoidance of death, but this story brings it out into the open and discusses it.” She spoke candidly about her journey into falconry for the role: “I had to get to a competent level of falconry, so I wasn’t afraid of them. I came to appreciate them from a position of love and I really miss them. They are not affectionate creatures but there was a real connection.” Her reflections offered viewers a glimpse into the dedication required to bring such a nuanced character to life.

Next up was Joe Keery, who has become a familiar face to millions worldwide as Steve Harrington on Netflix’s Stranger Things. With the final season having just aired, Keery shared his feelings about closing this significant chapter. “It definitely did when the last show came out on New Year’s Eve. I woke up on New Year’s Day and felt, ‘Wow, that’s the end of an era.’ It is so finite and done which is bittersweet,” he admitted. The sense of finality was palpable, marking the end of a cultural phenomenon that defined much of the past decade’s television landscape.

But Keery’s talents aren’t confined to acting. He also celebrated a major musical milestone, as his song End of Beginning soared to the top of the UK Singles Chart in January 2026. The track, originally released in 2024, found new life thanks to Keery’s return to screens. “It is crazy. I am shocked and confused about the whole thing. Hearing it in a taxi was cool, and I knew it was big when my grandma asked me about it!” he laughed. Keery described the creative process behind his music, noting, “There is so much down-time on set, so I wrote and recorded. Being an actor means a lot of waiting so it’s good to be proactive and busy.” He added, “It started as a breakup song but landed in a place of deep gratitude for the people in my life.”

The evening’s musical guest was none other than Tinie Tempah, who performed his latest single, Energy, live in the studio. The performance marked his return to music after a significant hiatus. Tinie reflected on his time away, telling the audience, “I went on a long hiatus and took a step back to immerse myself in actual life. This rollercoaster life is incredible but for me it wasn’t real. I settled down, had kids and did loads of stuff that made me feel fulfilled.”

Tinie also spoke about his recent stint as a guest Dragon on Dragons’ Den, describing it as “one of the best experiences, and a great learning curve for me.” His appearance on the show not only showcased his musical evolution but also his expanding interests beyond the recording studio.

Throughout the night, Graham Norton’s signature wit and warmth kept the conversation lively, while the show’s beloved red chair segment offered the usual mix of audience participation and surprise endings. The episode, filmed in the BBC studio, was a testament to the enduring appeal of Norton’s format: a place where celebrities can let their guard down, share genuine moments, and remind viewers that even the biggest stars have stories that make them laugh—and cringe.

As the credits rolled, viewers were left with a preview of next week’s lineup, promising appearances from Halle Berry, Chris Hemsworth, Rachel McAdams, John Bishop, and Jessie Ware. But for one night in January, it was the perfect blend of nostalgia, new beginnings, and unfiltered fun that made The Graham Norton Show a must-watch, once again uniting audiences with the people and stories they love.