Graham Norton announces sudden departure from Virgin Radio weekends
Virgin Radio weekend presenter Graham Norton has announced he’s leaving his Virgin Radio weekend show.
He’s been on the station since January 2021, having followed Chris Evans from the BBC.
Graham announced the news without warning during his first link on Saturday morning, saying tomorrow will be his last weekend show.
His co-host Maria McErlane has since been talking with Graham on the show about what the move means for her, giving the impression her future on the station is uncertain.
No reason has been given for the announcement, but Graham’s name has been suggested as a replacement for Steve Wright on Sunday Love Songs at Radio 2.
Graham Norton said: “The time has come for me to hang up my headphones for my weekend show here at Virgin Radio. I’ve had a brilliant time here with Maria, Show Chef Martha along with my guests and the rest of the team on the Graham Norton Radio Show with Waitrose, but I am looking forward to having my weekends off for the first time in 13 years!
“It’s certainly not a goodbye, I’ll still be popping up here from time to time on Virgin Radio, and I’m looking forward to returning when I do.”
Virgin Radio Content Director Mike Cass added: “Graham Norton has delighted Virgin Radio’s weekend listeners for the last three years. He steps back from the weekend show with our thanks and with our delight that he remains part of the wider Virgin Radio family.
“His are big boots to fill, and we’ll be announcing the owner of those feet in the weeks to come.”
It’s been an amazing three years with #GrahamNorton and I’m looking forward to him popping up over the coming months on @VirginRadioUK https://t.co/TLHvo4NwJp
— Mike Cass (@MikeCassRadio) February 24, 2024