Is Graham going back to Channel 4?

Last updated at 08:51 26 April 2006


Graham Norton is talking to Channel 4 about the possibility of returning to the channel when his BBC contract expires.

The presenter's contract with the BBC, thought to be worth £3.5million, runs out at the end of the year.

Channel 4 made Norton, now 43, a star with shows like So Graham Norton and V Graham Norton.

Since being poached by the BBC, the Irish comic has developed a tamer style with shows like Strictly Dance Fever and the late-night topical chatshow The Bigger Picture.

At the launch of Channel 4's annual report today, Director of Television Kevin Lygo confirmed: "We are talking to Graham Norton about what he might do.

"Would I be averse to having Graham back on the channel? No. Would I want him to do the same programmes as before? No. But I don't think he'd want to do that either."

Gordon Ramsay's contract

Fiery chef Gordon Ramsay's contract with Channel 4 expires at the end of next year.

Mr Lygo said: "Kitchen Nightmares was a huge success for us and we want to keep that going. The F Word performed well for us and we all wanted to make some changes which we made for the next series."

He confirmed that approaches were being made to BBC star Jonathan Ross, saying: "ITV made an enormous offer apparently.

"You will be amazed who we're talking to on a regular basis. I've never not been talking to Jonathan Ross."

Today's report revealed that Channel 4's profits grew by £3.9million (nine per cent) after tax to £48.5million last year.

The broadcaster is pledging an extra £50million on screen and online in 2006.

Channel 4 said it was "only a matter of time" before its portfolio of channels, including E4 and More 4, overtook ITV's share of younger viewers.

Most watched News videos