Graham Norton’s Boss Exposes the Surprising Rule That Decides Where Guests Sit

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Those who enjoy The Graham Norton Show now know how the show decides who sits where on the famous red sofa. For years, viewers have wondered about the seating arrangement for the celebrity guests each Friday night, but the process remained a mystery. Now, a producer has revealed the secret behind it.

Graham Stuart, a producer for the show, recently discussed with the podcast The Rest is Entertainment that the way contestants are seated isn’t random – it’s carefully planned.

The best seat in the house, right next to the host, is always saved for the show’s biggest guest. As Stuart explained, it perfectly illustrates show business: everyone is a star, but some have more influence than others. He added that publicists work hard to get their clients seated in that prime spot – the one next to the host – because it’s a key indicator of status.

He also clarified that the show isn’t about celebrity status. The producers actually prioritize how well guests interact with each other. Stuart explained that the seat at the far end of the sofa is deliberately reserved for someone who can really energize and entertain the conversation.

Richard Osman, who co-hosts the show, explained they’re looking for someone who’s engaging and enjoys conversation, can share their own humorous thoughts, and is comfortable being physically separated from Graham Norton.

I have to say, the latest episode, which hit the airwaves on January 23rd, was a masterclass in what makes the show work. The lineup was fantastic – Ant and Dec were their usual hilarious selves, Claire Foy brought some serious star power, Joe Keery was a welcome addition, and Tinie Tempah kept the energy high with his performance. It was a genuinely great mix of personalities.

Ant and Dec were talking about their new podcast, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, and told a funny story about a chance encounter with King Charles. Apparently, Ant was wandering around Dumfries House wearing a robe when he bumped into the Prince. As Ant remembered, King Charles greeted him and immediately started a conversation about rose gardening!

Stuart explained that publicists are key in deciding which celebrity gets the highly sought-after first seat, while the show’s producers focus on keeping the conversation engaging and fun.

Next week’s show will feature a fantastic group of stars, including Halle Berry, Chris Hemsworth, and Rachel McAdams. With so many popular guests, expect the competition to sit with Norton to be fierce!

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2026-01-25 17:16