Norton to present American Live 8

Graham Norton will host the American leg of charity concert Live 8.

The flamboyant 41-year-old is thrilled with the deal - as he was desperate to stay in America after finding success with his Comedy Central show The Graham Norton Effect.

Norton will head to Washington DC for July 2 to front the US leg of the charity rock spectacular - which boasts stars such as Outkast, Alicia Keys and Mary J Blige.

Fellow UK personalities Jonathan Ross and Jamie Theakston will present acts such as U2, Robbie Williams and former Beatle Paul McCartney performing in London's Hyde Park.

An insider says: "The Americans love Graham, so he's a natural for Live 8 - and he'll be fronting a huge show for the BBC."

Bob Geldof will officially reveal the details for both gigs today.