Graham Norton names huge BBC star as replacement for talk show amid TV break

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Graham Norton is about to embark on a new project, meaning he will be temporarily stepping back from his iconic chat show - but a host has now been chosen, and they are a big name

Graham Norton has announced his replacement on his legendary talk show amid his TV break.

Iconic funnyman Graham, 61, has been hosting his legendary chat show for over 17 years, meeting a host of various characters. He also has been seen on other TV shows, including the rebooted Wheel of Fortune on ITV - as well as leading the UK's coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest.

But now, the presenting icon has opted to temporarily step back from his TV duties as he heads to Australia for a new project. The RuPaul's Drag Race UK judge is set to head Down Under for an entirely different project altogether, hosting his own stage show - An Evening with Graham Norton.

The show will see Graham revel in many of the famed stories he has heard from celebrities over the course of his time in television. He also is set to delve deep into his career as well as taking questions from the audience as to what burning questions they might have for him.

Graham Norton is to take a small break from his legendary BBC talk show(Image: BBC/So Television/PA Media/Matt Crossick)

As a result of his Aussie tour, Graham is having to step back from presenting his iconic talk show, with a temporary replacement now being brought in while he is gone. Irish comic Graham will make the announcement formally on his show on Friday night (January 10), but the name is a big star on the BBC.

Thanks to her immense popularity on The Traitors, BBC bosses have roped in Claudia Winkleman as a caretaker for Graham's show. According to the Daily Mail, the 52-year-old star sobbed to Graham after he made the announcement: "I apologise in advance!

Traitors host Claudia Winkleman will hold the fort while Graham heads down under(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty I)

"I am always very nervous that people aren't watching and then incredibly grateful that they are," she added. "I feel about Traitors like people feel about an offspring – you're so glad when people love it."

Claudia was brought onto the sofa to speak about the third series of the Traitors by Graham, as the show continues to reach new heights of suspense and drama. She was joined on the iconic red sofa by actors Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and Myles Smith - along with musical guest Billy Porter.

Claudia joked she already has fashion ideas for the next series of the Traitors(Image: PA)

Addressing other comments from fans, Claudia was quick to respond to comments being made in regard to her fashion sense, adding that she has never felt such hype before in regard to how she dresses. Taking it as a tongue-in-cheek reference, the star said she had a former BBC stalwart in mind for the next series.

"We always like to have a muse – for Strictly it has been Anita Dobson and this year it was Demis Roussos," the iconic BBC presenter explained, "for Traitors it's Princess Anne meets Sarah Brightman. We've already decided on next year's – I'll be dressing as Gerald from Clarkson's Farm!"

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