Graham Norton Show Dazzles With Star Power And Surprises

On the evening of January 16, 2026, British television viewers tuned in to BBC One for a new episode of The Graham Norton Show, greeted by a star-studded lineup that promised both laughter and insight. The guest couch was packed: Sir Idris Elba, fresh from his knighthood; acclaimed actresses Erin Doherty and Wunmi Mosaku; the ever-versatile Martin Freeman; and the rising singer-songwriter Olivia Dean. With Graham Norton steering the conversation, the night delivered a mix of candid confessions, career revelations, and a touch of live music.

The episode’s spotlight shone brightly on Sir Idris Elba, who, despite his decades-long acting career, was honored for his services to young people—a fact that left him both proud and slightly bemused. Elba recounted the unusual way he nearly missed out on his knighthood. “It’s a bit embarrassing. I was sent a consideration letter asking whether I would or wouldn’t accept it, but I didn’t see it as it got lost in a pile of post. My agent told me that if I didn’t accept it would pass me by. By the time I found the letter I had only two days to decide,” he told Norton, as reported by BBC. The honor, he admitted, delighted his mother more than anyone. “It is actually a great honour, and my mum is so pleased.”

Elba also teased fans with news about the return of his hit hostage thriller, Hijack. “The first season was a big hit and people bought into so we’re going to do it again. The story is about what happens next after the plane hijack. It’s a good old-fashioned thriller.” With the first season’s success still fresh in viewers’ minds, anticipation for the next chapter is running high.

Across the couch sat Erin Doherty, whose star has risen meteorically in recent years. Best known for her portrayal of Princess Anne in The Crown and as Briony Ariston in Netflix’s Adolescence, Doherty’s career is marked by accolades—including a 2026 Golden Globe Award for her performance in Adolescence. Yet, despite her professional triumphs, Doherty shared a more personal anecdote about her Emmy acceptance speech. “My mum told me off for swearing. I didn’t mean to, but everyone looked so fking stunning. I’ve promised her I won’t do it again!” she confessed, according to BBC. The promise, however, was short-lived—Doherty admitted to cursing again during her Golden Globe acceptance speech, opening with the line that she had “made a promise” not to say the word “f*.”

Doherty’s appearance on The Graham Norton Show also offered a behind-the-scenes look at her latest role in the Disney+ historical drama A Thousand Blows, where she plays Mary Carr, leader of the Forty Elephants. For Doherty, the chance to use her real accent on screen for the first time was a revelation. “Surprisingly I’ve never been able to use it before, so it was a real joy.” But landing the part wasn’t straightforward. Stephen Graham, her co-star and a central figure in the series, initially doubted her suitability after seeing her only as Princess Anne. “When Stephen Graham heard I was being considered for the role he said, ‘I don’t think she is what we are looking for’ because he had only seen and heard me as Princess Anne in The Crown.” Graham changed his mind after learning Doherty was from Crawley, not the royal halls of Buckingham Palace. “He was delighted to find out I’m from Crawley!”

The camaraderie between Doherty and Graham extends beyond A Thousand Blows. The two also share the screen in Adolescence, a Netflix hit that has garnered both critical acclaim and awards. At the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards, Graham won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, while Doherty took home Outstanding Supporting Actress in the same category. Their winning streak continued into 2026, with Doherty earning Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television at the Golden Globes.

Doherty’s journey to the top has been anything but ordinary. She trained at the Guildford School of Acting and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, building a foundation that would see her excel on both stage and screen. Her theatre credits are extensive, including Unicorn (with Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan), Death of England: Closing Time at @sohoplace, and The Crucible at the National Theatre. In 2020, she was named a ‘Breakout Honouree’ at the Newport Beach Film Festival following her performance as Princess Anne. On the big screen, she’s appeared in features such as Firebrand alongside Jude Law and Reawakening with Juliet Stevenson.

Wunmi Mosaku, another guest that night, captivated the audience with stories of her latest project, the period horror film Sinners. Mosaku, who has earned accolades for her performances across genres, revealed that the role was written specifically with her in mind—a fact she only discovered on the last day of filming. “I felt from the moment I read the first scene, with its depth and humanity, it was going to be amazing. It is romantic and beautiful, and my character exudes love and knowledge. I found out on the last day of filming that the part was written with me in mind. I had no idea. It is amazing.” Her love for acting, she shared, was sparked by watching the musical Annie as a child. “I watched that film every single day after school. I’d press ‘play’ and the tears would start rolling. When I decided I wanted to act I went through the cast and found out how they became actors. As Albert Finney was from Manchester, I thought I would do what he did, so I auditioned for RADA and got it. I had never heard of drama school before that. Annie changed my whole life.”

Martin Freeman, a familiar face from Sherlock and The Hobbit, discussed his latest role in Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, a television adaptation set in the Roaring Twenties. “I didn’t know these characters as they are from the early novels. The story is set in a weird place in time. It is the Roaring Twenties, which was mired in the grief and loss of WW1. It has an authentic 20s voice that still feels good to our modern ears. It is funny and moving and was great fun to do.” Freeman also addressed his approach to accents, particularly his scouse dialect in The Responder: “The acid test is pleasing people from that place and as long as no one wants to hurt me because it is bad, I am happy. I’m not a wanky actor, but I actually stayed in the accent all day. It’s a muscle and very physical and I didn’t want to watch it in a year’s time and be thinking ‘I could have worked harder.’”

The evening’s musical interlude came courtesy of Olivia Dean, who performed her hit “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” live in the studio before joining the conversation. As always, the show wrapped up with Graham Norton’s signature Big Red Chair segment, inviting brave audience members to share their funniest stories—sometimes to their own comic peril.

For viewers, the January 16 episode was a reminder of why The Graham Norton Show remains a staple of British entertainment: a blend of star power, unscripted humor, and heartfelt moments. Next week’s guests—Anthony McPartlin, Declan Donnelly, Clare Foy, Joe Keery, and Tinie Tempah—promise another evening of lively conversation and surprises.