Norton’s quitting BBC1 for Channel 4

chris

CAMP comic Graham Norton is sensationally poised to quit BBC1 and return to Channel 4.

The Irish star is in discussions to take over Paul O'Grady's daytime talk show.

O'Grady, 54, is set to cut his ties with Channel 4 when his contract expires at the end of the year - and is expected to join Sky in a big-money deal.

Sources close to Graham say the daily 5pm slot would be "perfect" for the 46-year-old funnyman.

One said last night: "Graham has enjoyed his time at the BBC, but it is highly unlikely he will be signing back exclusively with the BBC at the end of this year.

"Channel 4 are very keen to have him home.

"It's where he started his television career and we are in talks about him taking Paul O'Grady's time-slot.
Energy

"Graham has a natural energy on TV and his forté is entertaining and interviewing people. So it would be a perfect show for him."

The Sun revealed how BBC chiefs were left panicking because they have no new big telly show lined up for Graham, whose £7.5million deal expires later this year.

They are struggling to find him a project as Andrew Lloyd Webber is battling to get out of his exclusive BBC deal and take his new musical reality show The Wizard of Oz to rivals ITV.

Aside from this, Graham is said to have HATED his recent flop outing Totally Saturday, which suffered shocking ratings and was eventually axed by the BBC.


It is thought the comedian will not sign exclusively with Channel 4 - but will instead strike a deal which allows him to work for a number of broadcasters.

Meanwhile O'Grady is tipped to leave Channel 4 after refusing to take a drastic cut in his £2million-a-year salary.

The telly favourite is now expected to join Sky in a deal that could rake in up to £9million over the next few years.

Source:TheSun