Graham Norton joins Virgin Radio for weekend shows after leaving Radio 2
GRAHAM Norton has joined Virgin Radio to host shows on Saturdays and Sundays after quitting BBC Radio 2.
The 57-year-old broadcaster will be joining the Virgin stable after his Radio 2 commitments end in December.
The star's BBC Saturday morning show has been on air for 10 years, but he has decided to follow in the footsteps of Chris Evans and swap the Corporation for Virgin.
He said: “I am excited and a little surprised to be joining Virgin Radio UK in 2021. I was very content where I was but the opportunity to host shows across the weekend seemed too good to miss out on.
"Plus the energy and enthusiasm at are infectious and I can’t wait to get started! Did I mention the studios are very close to my house?”
Virgin Radio UK's content director Mike Cass added: “Graham Norton is one of very few truly unique talents in broadcasting.
"I’m delighted to be welcoming him to the Virgin Radio family in the new year. He’ll be bringing double the wit, double the banter and double the love across Saturday and Sunday.”
Graham has confirmed he will present his final Radio 2 show on December 19.
But the TV chat show and Eurovision host reassured fans his other work with the BBC will continue as normal.
BBC content boss Charlotte Moore said Norton will be “hugely missed” and added: “I’m thrilled he’s committed to continuing to be a regular fixture on the BBC as host of his hugely popular and award-winning The Graham Norton Show, the BBC’s coverage of Eurovision and Drag Race UK.”
Norton was an instant hit in 2010 when he replaced Jonathan Ross.
His own replacement is not yet known, with a new schedule set to be announced.
Virgin relaunched in 2016 with a live broadcast from a Virgin Train by Edith Bowman and Matt Richardson.
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And two years later it was revealed that Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Chris Evans would be making the switch to Virgin, the station on which he starred in the 90s.
He began the show with a live studio performance of Lucky Man by Richard Ashcroft.
Virgin Radio is available nationally on DAB digital radio, online and on mobile via the Virgin Radio app.
You can download the app on and from the .