Lewis Hamilton reveals his motivation to keep driving, Elizabeth Banks talks about Charlie’s Angels, Kylie Minogue says that doing Glastonbury was utterly

surreal and Ricky Gervais jokes about presenting the Golden Globes

On tonight’s show (22nd November), Graham welcomes six-times F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Hollywood star Elizabeth Banks, comedy superstar Ricky Gervais and pop queen Kylie Minogue.

Kylie, talking about her hugely successful Glastonbury performance, says, “As it got closer and closer I couldn’t even say the word, I called it the ‘short show’ because I was rapt with fear about the whole thing. It’s pretty much a blur, but there are moments I remember like near the end when I was really happy!

“I was so scared of the event I didn’t think about what would happen after, but the response that it got and the love that it had was amazing. It was utterly surreal, but a great privilege.”

Asked if having famously pulled out of appearing previously made it extra special, she says, “It was extra everything, a real second chance and I wanted to acknowledge that. I couldn’t devise a script in my head of what to say and I had to stop myself before the ugly cry, but I think I said enough.”

Elizabeth, talking about writing, producing, directing, and starring in the new Charlie’s Angels movie says, “I am very selfish and have a clarity of vision!”

Revealing that she’s a lifelong fan of the original 1970’s series, she says, “I wanted to be Kate Jackson growing up – she was the clever one. And these women had incredibly cool jobs in California, which was a foreign land to me. That was the life I wanted to live.”

Asked why she moved into directing and producing, she says, “I just got to a certain point where all I got were girl roles. I got cast as an elf with big breasts and I thought to myself, as I was stuffing padding into my bra at five in the morning, ‘Maybe I have more to offer!’”

Ricky, talking about hosting the Golden Globes for a fifth time, and reminded he said ‘never again’ last time round, says, “I meant it then and I mean it now. If I say I am never going to do it again I can say anything, and I’m not scared of losing my job!”

Asked about his irreverent approach to the awards, he says, “The first time I did it I thought, ‘Shall I do it for the 200 egos in the room or for the 200 million watching at home?’ It’s no contest, and I try and make it a spectator sport. I never do anything that terrible as it’s on network television, but I do have to show my script to a lawyer at the last minute. They don’t change anything because I know the law and what I can get away with. I’ve never libelled anyone, and I’ve never had a complaint upheld!” Adding, “People asked me why I go to so much trouble to offend people and I said, ‘It’s no trouble. It’s easy!’”  

Elizabeth interjects, “It’s a badge of honour to get ribbed by you.”

Talking about the success of his Netflix series After Life, Ricky says, “I’ve never had a reaction like it. I was overwhelmed by the response.”

Asked about the second series, he says, “All I can say is all the cast is coming back, except those that died in the first series!”

Elizabeth, playing her own board game, Unveiled, asks Kylie, Ricky and Graham a round of cheeky questions, with the answers culminating in Kylie serenading Ricky with Tears on My Pillow. 

Lewis Hamilton joins Graham for a chat. 

Asked about his motivation to continue racing after winning the world championship six times, he says, “I am lucky to love what I do. I was very fortunate to discover what I wanted to do at the age of five. I’m 34 now and every year is a new challenge. Every year we develop a new car with new technology and every year there are youngsters coming through to challenge me. I am going to keep going until I don’t enjoy it anymore.”

Talking about his passion for inspiring new drivers, he says, “My dad worked four jobs, spent £20k and re-mortgaged the house several times to keep me racing. I am now working with underprivileged kids who don’t have any opportunity. It has got a lot worse since I was young and there are no working-class kids on their way up. It doesn’t have to be so expensive and I want to get it opened up like football or tennis and get it back to basics.”

Kylie performs a special version of her number one hit single Slow mashed up with David Bowie’s Fashion live in the studio.

The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, Friday 22nd November 10.40pm.

Pictures are available from Press Association.

Notes to editors – All quotes in this release were said during the recording of the show but won’t necessarily appear in the final version.

Next week (29th November) Graham’s guests include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, David Mitchell and Kesha. For further information please contact Mary Collins 07769 670516 or at mary@marycollins-pr.com 

22th November 2019