Wunmi Mosaku Shines On Graham Norton And Disney+

The Graham Norton Show has long been the place where the stars come to shine, and on January 16, 2026, the BBC One and iPlayer broadcast was no exception. The episode brought together a dazzling array of talent: the newly knighted Sir Idris Elba, rising star Erin Doherty, award-winning actress Wunmi Mosaku, the ever-versatile Martin Freeman, and the UK’s latest singer-songwriter sensation Olivia Dean. With stories that ranged from royal honors to deeply personal journeys, the evening was a celebration of both career milestones and the sometimes-unexpected paths that lead to them.

Sir Idris Elba, whose recent knighthood has made headlines, opened up about the honor with characteristic humility and humor. "I haven’t had the sword on the shoulder yet, but my wife is loving it," Elba joked, according to BBC. He admitted that the recognition nearly slipped through his fingers: "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." Elba continued, "I got it for services to young people and I was thinking, ‘Hang on a minute, that’s great, but I’ve been acting for 30 years!’ It is actually a great honour, and my mum is so pleased."

Elba also shared news that fans of his hit series Hijack have been waiting for. "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 his trademark blend of excitement and understated charm, Elba’s update left viewers eager for more high-stakes drama.

Erin Doherty, best known for her roles in The Crown and the new drama Adolescence, brought a candid energy to the conversation. Reflecting on her Emmy speech, she confessed, "My mum told me off for swearing. I didn’t mean to, but everyone looked so f**king stunning. I’ve promised her I won’t do it again!" Doherty also discussed her experience with the Victorian drama A Thousand Blows, noting, "Surprisingly I’ve never been able to use [my own voice] before, so it was a real joy. 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. He was delighted to find out I’m from Crawley!"

Wunmi Mosaku, meanwhile, had a particularly eventful January. On the show, she discussed her role in the period horror film Sinners, revealing, "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." She traced her love of acting back to the musical Annie: "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."

But Mosaku’s impact extends far beyond her on-screen performances. Just a day after her Graham Norton appearance, she was announced as the executive producer of Mango, a short film directed by Joan Iyiola and debuting on Disney+ across Europe. According to Filmogaz, Mango is a live-action body horror film centering on Zadie, a successful London florist battling fibroids—a health issue that affects millions of women worldwide. Olivia Nakintu brings Zadie to life, supported by Danny Sapani as her father and Paul Chahidi as a medical professional. The film’s production team includes Mosaku herself, Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, Thomas Hawkins, Elisabeth Hopper, Joe Bell, and Dr. Christine Ekechi.

Mango had its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2026 and has been lauded for its unflinching portrayal of a woman confronting her changing body and the societal implications of fibroids. Mosaku expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the film’s urgent message and its potential to foster greater understanding: the film, she said, addresses the "often-overlooked struggles women face regarding fibroids." Director Joan Iyiola, who previously won the HBO Short Film Award for Dọlápọ̀ Is Fine, brings a keen eye and a personal touch to the story, aiming to shed light on an issue that public figures like Lupita Nyong’o and Venus Williams have also helped bring into the spotlight.

With Mosaku’s involvement, Mango is poised to reach a broad audience, and both she and Iyiola have voiced their commitment to advocating for women suffering from fibroids. Their hope is that the film will spark conversation and prompt real societal change, using storytelling as a catalyst for awareness and empathy.

Martin Freeman, no stranger to reinventing himself, discussed his latest project, the TV adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials. "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 touched on his critically acclaimed role in The Responder, noting, "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 show’s musical guest, Olivia Dean, brought the house down with her live performance of "So Easy (To Fall In Love)," before joining Graham for a relaxed chat. As always, the episode wrapped up with the show’s signature Big Red Chair segment, where audience members dared to share their funniest stories, hoping not to be unceremoniously ejected by Graham’s lever.

For fans looking ahead, next week’s episode promises more star power, with guests including Anthony McPartlin, Declan Donnelly, Clare Foy, Joe Keery, and Tinie Tempah. But this week, it was the blend of heartfelt stories, industry insights, and a dash of irreverence that made the Graham Norton Show a must-watch yet again. Whether it’s knighthoods nearly missed, roles that change lives, or films that challenge taboos, the guests proved that behind every headline is a story worth telling—and listening to.