Home News TV Listings Movies Music Video Photos Radio Extra Book Club RTÉ Guide

Comedy News

Norton ousts Gervais on comedy list

Monday 12 January 2004
Irish comedian Graham Norton has been named the most powerful person in UK comedy by the Radio Times.

Related Articles

Norton, who will take his chat show to BBC later this spring when his Channel 4 contract ends, replaced 'The Office' creator Ricky Gervais at the top of the list.

At number two is 'Phoenix Nights' star Peter Kay, followed by Gervais at number three.

"Having finally succumbed to the BBC's chequebook and invitation to save Saturday night television, coupled with his increasing popularity in the US, Graham Norton raced into the top position in this year's list with relative ease," the Radio Times said.

"Ironically, having borrowed the American format of the late night chat show and made it his own, he's now exporting it back across the Atlantic."

add your own comment
User contributions and/or comments do not, unless specifically stated, represent the views of RTÉ.ie or RTÉ.
Click here for Terms of use

Top 10 Most Read

1 Set for the win? Sweden's Loreen wins Eurovision 2012
2 Sweden's entry Loreen pictured at her winner's press conference Jedward congratulate Sweden's Loreen
3 Cole denies Cowell X Factor claims
4 Matt Cardle is "relieved" that he left his record label Matt cardle 'relieved' to leave label
5 Adam Woodyatt Woodyatt 'overwhelmed' by fan response
6 Elton John is said to be recovering well Elton John recovering from illness
7 Frank Skinner Skinner and girlfriend welcome baby boy
8 David Beckham is no longer the highest paid player in the US Beckham loses US highest paid status
9 Leona Lewis set to guest judge London auditions today Lewis begins X Factor judge role
10 James Van Der Beek regrets turning down Wedding Crashers Van Der Beek's role regret

Must Watch TV

  • - 30 Rock

    11.45pm, 3e

    Another case of a great show at an awful time - and it's a terrible shame because 30 Rock has probably been the smartest as well as the funniest network American sitcom since the glory days of Seinfeld. Tonight, Liz returns from holiday break with a new outlook that leaves her immune to Tracy's acting out over Jenna's new fame as a judge on the reality show America's Kidz Got Singing. Meanwhile, Kenneth prepares for the Rapture.

  • - Franc's DIY Brides

    8.30pm, RTÉ One

    With a budget of €10K, and 160 guests invited to their very special day, Franc is on hand to mentor Dublin couple Gemma Barnes and Gary Mackle as they endeavour to create their winter wonderland-themed wedding in Wexford. A wedding dress has to be found, and a ring needs to be re-worked all in an attempt to create a unique and cost effective 'wow' wedding. And Gemma and Gary head for Camp Franc to find out just how they can make their day perfect.

  • - Golf: PGA Championship

    2.30pm, BBC TWO

    Golf is one sport that looks amazing on TV, so here's another treat for couch potatoes. Hazel Irvine presents live coverage of the fourth and final round at Wentworth. Last year's final day culminated in a dramatic play-off between Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, and it was the former who emerged victorious to take the world number one spot off his compatriot. With so many Europeans dominating the top of the World rankings, viewers can expect a tight contest (and maybe an Irish win).