Claudia Winkleman is set to take the reins of Graham Norton’s beloved BBC talk show for a special one-off episode. 

The familiar face of The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing will step in as host for the penultimate installment of the current series, featuring a star-studded lineup of guests. 

But why is Graham Norton temporarily stepping away, and what can viewers expect from Claudia’s takeover?

Why Is Graham Norton Taking a Break?

Graham Norton, who has been the face of his long-running chat show, is taking a short break from presenting duties as he embarks on a tour in Australia. 

The TV personality had previously announced his plans earlier in the series, confirming that he would be absent for one episode while traveling. 

During an episode where Claudia was a guest, Graham shared the news, stating, “At the end of this series, I’m popping off to do a tour of Australia, and my seat is going to be filled for one week only by none other than Claudia Winkleman.”

His Australian tour, An Evening with Graham Norton, will take him to multiple cities, including Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne throughout March. The show will see Graham engaging with audiences, sharing humorous anecdotes from his career, and participating in a live Q&A session.

Since his break coincides with the end of the current season, the final episode of his chat show, airing on March 7, will be a compilation of the best moments from the series. The highlight reel will feature appearances from A-list celebrities such as Demi Moore, Timothée Chalamet, Cher, Denzel Washington, Nicole Kidman, Dwayne Johnson, Zoe Saldaña, and Hugh Grant.

Claudia Winkleman Steps In as Guest Host

With Graham Norton away, Claudia Winkleman has been chosen to step in as the temporary host. No stranger to presenting, Claudia has become a fan favorite on BBC thanks to her role as the host of The Traitors and co-host of Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly.

Claudia’s episode will feature an impressive lineup of guests, including Hollywood actor Chris Pratt, acclaimed British actor Toby Jones, Derry Girls star Saoirse-Monica Jackson, and comedian Rob Beckett. The mix of talent promises an engaging and entertaining show, as Claudia takes on the challenge of leading the iconic red sofa interviews.

When Graham first revealed that Claudia would be filling in for him, she jokingly responded, “I apologise in advance,” showing her characteristic wit and self-deprecating humor. While stepping into Graham’s shoes is no easy task, her natural charisma and humor make her a strong choice for the role.

Not the First Time Claudia Has Taken Over From Graham

This is not the first time Claudia has stepped into a role previously held by Graham Norton. In 2021, she was announced as his replacement on BBC Radio 2’s Saturday morning show after he stepped down. At the time, she expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I’m not often speechless, but the chance to be with the wonderful Radio 2 listeners every Saturday has left me, quite frankly, gobsmacked.”

Her transition into that role was well received, with listeners appreciating her unique style and sense of humor. Given her success on radio, fans are optimistic that she will bring the same charm and energy to The Graham Norton Show during her guest-hosting stint.

Fans React to Claudia’s Temporary Takeover

The announcement of Claudia’s guest-hosting role has been met with excitement from viewers, many of whom took to social media to share their enthusiasm. Fans expressed their support, with one person commenting, “Been looking forward to this ever since it was announced, Claudia’s gonna ace this.” Another added, “The queen!” showing their admiration for her hosting abilities.

Others even suggested that Claudia should take on more guest-hosting roles, with some calling for her to fill in on Lorraine when the regular host is unavailable. Her versatility and warm personality make her a popular choice for various presenting gigs, and her ability to connect with audiences has cemented her status as a beloved TV personality.

What to Expect From Claudia’s Hosting Debut on the Show

While Graham Norton’s presence is undeniably a major part of the show’s appeal, Claudia Winkleman’s guest-hosting episode is expected to bring a fresh and entertaining dynamic. Known for her quick wit, engaging interview style, and ability to put guests at ease, she is likely to make the episode a memorable one.

With a mix of Hollywood stars, comedy, and engaging conversation, fans can anticipate an enjoyable show despite Graham’s absence. Whether this one-off stint will lead to more hosting opportunities for Claudia in the future remains to be seen, but for now, audiences are eagerly awaiting her take on the iconic role.

As Graham enjoys his Australian tour, Claudia’s takeover is set to be a highlight of the series. Fans won’t have to wait long to see her in action, as the episode airs this Friday, promising an evening of entertainment with a new but familiar face at the helm.

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