Current Biography: Graham Norton

Norton's rise to fame began as one of the early successes of Channel 5 when he won an award for his performance as a stand-in host of the late-night talk show usually presented by Jack Docherty. This was followed by a comic quiz show called Bring Me The Head Of Light Entertainment, which wasn't well received as a programme but did further enhance Norton's individual reputation.

After this success, Norton moved to Channel 4 to host his own chat shows beginning with "So Graham Norton", "Very Graham Norton" and The Graham Norton Effect. His camp charm and quick wit has brought a huge fanbase, ultimately being invited by the gay world to host Manchester Pride 2005.

His shows are devoted to interviews of celebrities and raunchy conversations ensue. He generally precedes the interviews by asking questions of his audience members, for example: "Everyone stand up. Now sit down if you've never had a sexual experience with an animal."

He often phones authors of eccentric websites live on the show; often when they are fans of his guest. However, the addresses of the sites are no longer given out, as some of the owners have received hate mail and abuse in the past.

In 2003, he caused a national outcry among the more sensitive area of the media when, on his British show on Channel 4, he made a comedic reference to the recent death of Bee Gees singer Maurice Gibb. The Independent Television Commission investigated after complaints about this insensitivity were forwarded to them and eventually Channel 4 had to make two apologies: one in the form of a caption slide before the show, another from Graham in person. Also in 2003, he was listed in The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy History. His Channel 4 programmes have won a record number of comedy awards.

In the summer of 2004, Graham moved across the Atlantic to start a new venture in American television. The Graham Norton Effect debuted June 24, 2004 on Comedy Central. In the midst of controversy surrounding Janet Jackson's Super Bowl performance, Graham was wary of moving into the market. Yet, The Graham Norton Effect has got away with the same naughty, suggestive jokes that made his UK shows so popular. He then signed a huge contract to defect to the BBC on his return to the UK.

Norton has recently been involved in a high-publicity advertising campaign for the National Lottery as a stooge to a character based on Lady Luck, played by Fay Ripley. He has also advertised McVities biscuits.

In 2005, he began hosting the BBC's Saturday evening reality TV series Strictly Dance Fever and a new series The Bigger Picture with Graham Norton, which is already achieving cult status.