‘Mum's Story Inspired My Novel'

Graham Norton chats about his latest book, a life-changing experience and talk show secrets

- Vicki Power

By his own account, Graham Norton is not a worrier. Of course, on the surface he has little to worry about – a charmed existence as the nation’s favourite chat-show host has turned him into a national treasure and a second career as a novelist has given him fresh purpose.

And Graham doesn’t fret much about his job or the fact he’s single at 55. When we meet to discuss the current run of The Graham Norton Show and the release of his second novel, A Keeper, Graham – witty, friendly and more thoughtful than his TV alter-ego – explains that nothing much fazes him. It’s all down to the near-death experience he had in 1989, when he was attacked by a group on a London street and left for dead. “I was stabbed and that changed my outlook,” recalls Graham.

“It was during the summer break between the second and third year of drama school. I lost half my blood and it was touch and go if I’d survive. When I went back to drama school I felt different.

“People would see the casting for a play up on the board and what part they’re playing. They’d run into the toilets, slamming doors and crying, and I’d be giving it a big old eye roll, like, ‘Who cares? It doesn’t matter!’”