Why Graham Norton Changed His Answer When Asked About The Worst Guest On His Show

In all the years Graham Norton has hosted The Graham Norton Show, hundreds of guests have sat on the sofa or the small spread-out chairs they had during the pandemic. Yes, there have been many jokes and entertaining moments on the show over the years.

Nevertheless, someone has to be the unfortunate, well-known face that receives the dubious distinction of being the "worst" guest. The show has the nature of featuring a large number of guests every week.

So when the Graham Norton Show premieres, Graham's response to the question of which guest he thought was least impressive has changed throughout the years.

Robert De Niro, according to Norton, was initially a pretty "benign" presence on the show, failing to wow both the audience and Norton with a story that could ultimately cut through the room. "Last time he started telling a story – he went on and on," Norton explained at the Cheltenham Literature Festival a few years ago.

"We were all leaning in, willing it to be amazing... then he finally went, ‘Why am I telling this?’ Nobody had an answer. We cut it."

However, when Graham discussed it at a Dublin event honoring the release of his book Forever Home, he revised his response to the question about the "worst guest."

Here is Graham Norton

BBC

The presenter was reportedly asked at the event about the worst guest he’d ever had on the show, prompting him to mention a certain disgraced movie mogul. His choice wasn't exclusively predicated on the fact that he’s now in prison after being sentenced to 23 years for rape and sexual assault, but that probably played a part.

"I often talk around who my least favorite guest was, but now, someone reminded me, I have a really good answer to this now. It's Harvey Weinstein. He's in jail, so he gets the prize for the worst guest ever."

Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship expert, highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in navigating public interactions, especially in high-pressure environments like talk shows. She explains that understanding the dynamics of guest-host interactions can significantly influence audience perception and overall show success. Solomon notes that some guests might struggle under the spotlight, leading to awkward moments that can tarnish their image. Therefore, cultivating empathy and emotional awareness can enhance interactions, resulting in a more engaging experience for all parties involved.

By fostering a supportive atmosphere, hosts can help guests feel more at ease, which can lead to richer conversations and memorable moments.

Graham Norton says that Harvey Weinstein is the worst guest he's ever had on the show

Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Norton shared how Weinstein was sending emails expressing a desire to appear on the talk program, even though it was already completely scheduled. "He emailed back: 'What if I blah de blah de blah?' [I replied] 'No, the show is fully booked, blah de blah,'" Norton continued.

"And he emailed back again, 'But I think...', and I just had to turn to my booker and say, 'Can you please deal with this?' At the time, I thought that sort of attitude, that kind of 'Oh no, I'm going on [the show],' is what makes you a very good producer.

Norton added that now they know what they know, that is what makes him a predator. "It was that kind of weird tunnel-vision thing."

Norton went on to say:

"And it was sort of chilling in retrospect because I was just laughing at those emails. But you realize, 'Oh my God, that is an insight into how that man is.'"

In 2015, David Tennant, Olivia Colman, and Jessie J joined Weinstein for an appearance on The Graham Norton Show. De Niro was knocked off the pedestal of "worst guest" by the host's interaction with Weinstein, which makes sense given that all the actor had done was recite an uninteresting story.

Managing Awkward Moments

A communication expert suggests that proactive management of potential awkward situations is essential for hosts like Graham Norton. Dr. Michael Thompson emphasizes the value of preparation and adaptability in live formats. By anticipating possible challenges, hosts can employ techniques such as redirecting the conversation or using humor to diffuse tension. Research indicates that maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere can enhance viewer engagement and mitigate the negative impacts of uncomfortable exchanges.

Furthermore, developing a toolkit of responses allows hosts to navigate unexpected situations more effectively, ensuring the show remains entertaining and dynamic.

Professional Assessment & Guidance

In the world of entertainment, the dynamics between hosts and guests can significantly impact the viewer experience. Experts like Dr. Solomon and Dr. Thompson emphasize emotional intelligence and preparation as key components in managing these interactions. By fostering empathy and being ready to adapt, hosts can create a more engaging atmosphere, even when faced with challenging situations. Ultimately, the insights shared by professionals in psychology and communication can enhance not only the show's quality but also the public perception of all involved, ensuring memorable moments that resonate with audiences.