Graham Norton to take temporary break from TV to tour in Australia
Graham Norton revealed that he will be taking a temporary break from The Graham Norton Show next month. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire.
Graham Norton has revealed that he will be taking a temporary break from  next month.
The Cork man is heading to Australia in February to prepare for his live tour which kicks off on March 9.
On Friday night’s episode of it was revealed that presenter Claudia Winkleman will step in to host in Norton’s temporary absence.
Winkleman, who fronts hit shows and , will swap the Traitors castle for the famous red armchair in the BBC studio on February 28.
Winkleman appeared as a guest on Friday’s show alongside Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and Billy Porter, when the news was revealed by Norton who thanked her for covering for him when he is away.
"I apologise in advance,” Winkleman joked.
During the show, Winkleman spoke about the new series of , which broke its own ratings record when it kicked off on New Year's Day.
"I am always very nervous that people aren't watching and then incredibly grateful that they are. I feel about Traitors like people feel about an offspring – you're so glad when people love it," she said.
"I can't say much but the producers are so clever and there are lots of twists and turns coming."
Norton will set off Down Under next month ahead of his theatre tour - his first visit to Australia since 1987.
His show, in which he tells stories about his long career as a comedian and chat show host, will kick off on March 9.
