The presenter said his chat show is in a ‘healthy place’ right now (Picture: Digital/Eroteme.co.uk)
Jonathan Ross has shed light on his rivalry with fellow TV presenter Graham Norton and why he appears to get ‘bigger’ names.
Across a number of decades now, the pair have cemented their names as two of the UK’s biggest personalities.
Jonathan has fronted BBC’s Friday Night with Jonathan Ross (2001–2010) and ITV’s The Jonathan Ross Show (2011–present), while Graham began The Graham Norton Show in 2007.
Interviewing a host of famous names from all walks of life, whether it be music, film, or politics, each of their hit shows has routinely managed to draw in major audiences.
Now, however, following Jonathan’s move to ITV, there seems to be a clear rivalry brewing.
Asked who gets the ‘bigger’ names, Jonathan told the Times: ‘He gets American names. And I am not quite sure why that is.’
Graham Norton’s show has been considered Britain’s most famous sofa (Picture: PA Wire)
Jonathan claimed that Graham can get ‘American names’ (Picture: Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/Shutterstock)
Discussing viewing figures, the 65-year-old then claimed that while Graham’s are better than his on first viewing, watching back afterwards makes it seem more ‘even’.
‘They are slightly better, but on catch-up, we are about the same. Last week, for example, our show beat the BBC until the news came on,’ he added.
‘So it’s a healthy show. I don’t think his figures are much better than mine, but I think they have a better relationship with the studios, and by better I mean more conciliatory.’
Both presenters might have some stiffer competition on their hands, however, with the imminent Claudia Winkleman Show.
What does Metro think of Jonathan Ross’ new show?
Adam Miller gives his thoughts on Jonathan’s Handcuffed series…
This new show, which began on Friday, March 13, saw The Traitors host interview Jeff Goldblum, Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Saunders, and comedian Tom Allen.
Blending entertainment and humour in a classic chat show format, the BBC is hoping that it will quickly become a weekend favourite.
The first series is set to run for seven episodes through spring, which will give Claudia a prime late-night slot for her first venture into headlining her own chat show.
Jonathan claimed that Graham’s show pulls in more viewers at first (Picture: PA Wire)
Which do you prefer?
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Jonathan’s comments about Graham as he presents a brand new social experiment called Handcuffed.
Airing on Channel 4, the show sees 18 brave Brits handcuffed together as they compete to win £100,000.
So what’s the twist? Well, each of the guests comes from a different lifestyle and have different beliefs, which has caused some friction already.
Speaking about the show, Jonathan said: ‘I believe this experiment will go a small way to healing a fractured Britain; after all, to know is to love. I’m rooting for our couples to go the distance and not let our differences overpower us.’
The 65-year-old has a new show coming out for Channel 4 this year (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Meanwhile, Commissioning Editor Tim Hancock added: ‘Funny, intense, and featuring a cast reflecting a truly diverse range of British characters, this is the kind of social experiment you’d only see on Channel 4.
‘The series aims to capture modern Britain by examining its divisions and hopefully helping mend some of them too.’
Tonight, however, Jonathan will be presenting ITV’s Oscar awards coverage.
The film buff will be joined by Elle Osili Wood, Samson Kayo and Fred Asquith, and according to ITV, they’ll be ‘offering unparalleled insight, commentary, and analysis of Hollywood’s biggest night.
This article was originally published on February 27.
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