'I was a grubby git from Cork': Graham Norton on trying to 'reinvent' himself when he left Ireland

Bandonâs favourite son, Graham Norton pictured on tonight's episode of The Late Late Show. Picture Andres Poveda
Graham Norton has said that getting older contributed to his decision to marry. The Cork-born BBC presenter tied the knot with Scottish film-maker Jonathan McLeod in July, before 120 guests at Bantry House.
âI never thought Iâd get married,â Norton (59) told Ryan Tubridy on
, where he was promoting his new novel, .ÂâThere we are: It is something to do with getting older. The vows are easier. âTill death do us partâ is much more achievable. When youâre 20 itâs a big ask.âÂ
Norton had previously stated he would never marry. That changed when he met McLeod.Â
âHaving a string of failed relationships, you appreciate something that is right for you. You donât take it for granted: âPut a ring on it!ââÂ
He said that he and McLeod had tried to keep the wedding low-key but that rumours were soon circulating around Bantry, nearby Ahakista, where he has a house, and his home town of Bandon.

âWord got out. The rumour mill [had it that] Elton John was in the pub next to my house. Lady Gaga was coming to town. In SuperValu in Bantry [people saw] âAdele without make upâ. There were a good few snappers â they were very disappointed.âÂ
Norton spent much of the lockdown in West Cork, broadcasting his Virgin Radio show from the studios of C103 in Bandon. Growing up in Ireland heâd had a chip on his shoulder about the country. But as has matured, his attitudes towards home changed, he told Tubridy.
âI was busy trying to reinvent myself. If I met another Irish person they would know I was some grubby git from Cork.Â
âAs you get older, itâs a lovely thing. You want to bump into someone who knows what
is.âÂHe was on the airwaves in the UK following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. He was struck by how important she was to people in Britain. It reminded him that, despite living there for 40 years, he was still an Irish person in the UK.
âYou realise: This is different. This woman is in their DNA. Theyâve been born to know her. âOh wow â I am still, after all these years, an outsiderâ. It was humbling.â