Graham Norton Thriller Forever Home Gets Star Cast

Graham Norton, the beloved Irish broadcaster and best-selling author, is about to see another of his novels leap from page to screen, as Channel 5 has commissioned a six-part adaptation of his thriller, Forever Home. The series, set to air later in 2026, promises a gripping blend of dark humor, small-town secrets, and the complexities of relationships later in life—an irresistible cocktail for fans of both crime dramas and Norton’s signature wit.

At the heart of the story is Carol Crottie, a divorced woman who has settled into a new chapter with her partner in a sleepy Irish town. But as she unpacks the boxes of her new domestic life, Carol stumbles on a macabre discovery: the long-dead body of a woman hidden in the basement. The revelation forces Carol to confront a horrifying truth—that she may, in fact, be living with a killer. According to Classic Hits, the plot thickens as the story of Robert’s first wife, Joan, who was believed to have run away and vanished, is exposed as a lie; Robert’s refusal to ever sell the house suddenly takes on a chilling significance.

The adaptation boasts a star-studded ensemble. Denise Welch, known for her roles in Waterloo Road and as a panellist on Loose Women, leads the cast as Carol. She’s joined by Lewis Cope (of Emmerdale and Strictly Come Dancing fame), Jenny Walser (from Heartstopper), Samantha Bond (star of The Marlow Murder Club), Amy Nuttall (Downton Abbey), Douglas Henshall (The Revenge Club and Shetland), Kevin Whately (Inspector Morse), Shane Zaza (Invasion), and James Baxter (Waterloo Road). It’s a lineup that’s sure to draw attention from across the UK television landscape.

Behind the camera, the creative pedigree is equally impressive. The screenplay has been adapted by actress and author Clara Salaman, who also serves as executive producer. Graham Norton himself is on board as executive producer, ensuring his unique voice and humor will be woven into the series. Paul Gay and Claire Winyard are set to direct, bringing their expertise to what is shaping up to be one of Channel 5’s most anticipated dramas of the year.

Norton has spoken candidly about the inspiration behind Forever Home. “In writing Forever Home, I was initially inspired by the simple idea of packing up a home later in life, and the 'what if’ scenarios and complexities that come with later-life relationships,” he explained, as reported by Bang Showbiz. “The novel soon evolved into a funny, twisted ‘dark-romp’ full of farcical scenes and it’s wonderful to see the depth and richness of Carol’s story realised as a screenplay.”

This blend of humor and darkness is a hallmark of Norton’s fiction. As Kirstie Macdonald, creative director at FilmNation TV UK, told The Evening Standard: “From the moment I read the always hilarious Graham Norton’s brilliant novel, I knew I wanted to bring Forever Home to the screen. It’s a story full of twists and turns, secrets, and emotional depth that we can’t wait to bring to life for 5 audiences.” Erika Kennair, Head of Scripted at Mediapro US and Canada, echoed the enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with the talented Clara Salaman, the groundbreaking FilmNation and the iconic 5 to bring Graham Norton’s exciting and witty book to life.”

The adaptation is being developed by FilmNation Entertainment and Mediapro, two studios with a growing reputation for high-quality international drama. Their collaboration with Channel 5 and North East Screen is expected to deliver a series that’s rich in atmosphere, suspense, and the kind of character-driven storytelling that has made Norton’s novels bestsellers.

For Denise Welch, the role of Carol Crottie is a significant addition to an already distinguished career. At 67, Welch continues to take on challenging and diverse parts, and her involvement in Forever Home is sure to bring both emotional depth and relatability to the central character. The supporting cast, with veterans from some of Britain’s most beloved dramas, rounds out a production that’s as much about the strength of its ensemble as its twist-laden plot.

This isn’t the first time Norton’s literary work has found its way to television. His debut novel, Holding, published in 2016 and set in a rural Irish community, was adapted into a four-part ITV drama in 2022, starring Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones) and Siobhan McSweeney (Derry Girls). With six novels and three non-fiction books under his belt, Norton has steadily built a parallel career as a novelist, earning both critical acclaim and a loyal readership.

Of course, Norton remains best known to many as the host of The Graham Norton Show, BBC’s long-running celebrity chat show. Since its launch in 2007, the program has averaged an impressive 2.9 million viewers per episode, according to the BBC. Norton recently agreed to continue hosting for at least another three years. “Getting to host my own chat show is a huge pleasure as well as a privilege,” he said. “I’m thrilled that the BBC are allowing me to continue for another three years. The whole team is looking forward to bringing the world’s brightest stars into the homes of the great British public!”

With Forever Home set to air later in 2026, anticipation is building among fans of Graham Norton’s fiction and British television drama alike. The adaptation is poised to deliver a story that’s equal parts suspenseful and darkly comic, exploring the secrets that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives—and the extraordinary resilience of those who uncover them.

As the series prepares for its debut, all eyes will be on Channel 5 and its creative partners to see if they can capture the same blend of humor, heartbreak, and suspense that has made Norton’s novels such a hit. If the pedigree of the cast and crew is any indication, viewers are in for a wild, unforgettable ride through the shadows of small-town Ireland.