Norton's new show axed

Graham Norton’s new TV show ‘Totally Saturday’ has been axed.

The Bandon-born comic's variety show will end its run in two weeks – a week earlier than planned – after the show suffered a massive ratings slump, dropping from 4.3 million down to 2.5 million.

A source told Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “‘Totally Saturday’ has been totally disastrous. The BBC hoped it would be their answer to ‘Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway’ on ITV.

“But viewers just don’t seem to like it and even Graham is unhappy with it. He deserves much better than this turkey. It’s got two more shows to run and then it’s being consigned to the dustbin.”

The show – which features members of the audience having their belongings “borrowed” and has featured a host of special guests including Lionel Richie and pop band The Saturdays – has met with criticism from Graham’s fellow BBC presenters, Chris Moyles - who branded it “appalling television” - and chat show host Jonathan Ross.

Outspoken presenter Ross said: “Poor Graham, I feel for him watching that show.”

The 46-year-old star is set to sign a new contract with the BBC when his current contract runs out at the end of the year.