Q&A with Graham Norton
The BBC Children in Need Appeal Show is back with an all-star line-up of presenters.
Published: 7 November 2017
BBC Children in Need is a celebration of the best of people and that’s a lovely thing to be part of. People are so generous and selfless.
What do you enjoy about the BBC Children in Need evening?
What I like is in a slightly dark world; there is a bright spot. BBC Children in Need is a celebration of the best of people and that’s a lovely thing to be part of. People are so generous and selfless. We spend a lot of time worrying about our own problems and ourselves but on that night, you really sit back and appreciate the luck you have and you share your good fortune with those who are less fortunate. It’s so clichéd but it does make you feel good.
Does it make you think about your own life?
Yes. You watch those appeal films and you think ‘I am never going to complain again’. And of course, that lasts about an hour! I am joking but it really does make you think.
Which stories do you find moving?
One of the issues that I find so touching is watching the young people who are taking care of their own parents, where they are sacrificing their youth in that weird, untimely role reversal. That breaks my heart seeing those people in those situations.
Do you watch the films beforehand to prepare yourself?
We do watch them. I am glad I do because you know which ones might make you cry. You do need to hold it together. You are doing a job and there is no point us all sobbing.
Are you looking forward to being reunited with Mel Giedroyc?
It will be great fun. I am really looking forward to working with Mel. Well you say ‘working’ but it is not work. It’s just a laugh. I think we will have a really good time. She brings something else to the evening because she is a mum. As a mum, you bring a depth of understanding to the issues that as a single man, I don’t have! What I like is the fact it helps so many people up and down the country.
It was the first year without Terry in 2016 and you raised so much money…
It was a huge success. I think a lot of that, funnily enough, was to do with Terry’s death. It made people appreciate BBC Children in Need again… it is there every year and when Terry passed away, it made people realise what a special charity it is and the amazing legacy he left behind. He really owned it and we are just taking care of it now.
Would you like to beat £60 million this year?
You know what? You hope to. But it is not a competition. We just want to raise as much as possible on the night. If we can beat last year’s total, then how wonderful. But we are not going to beat ourselves up if we don’t.
Does it make you feel proud that so many people across the country get involved?
Yes. I also work at Radio 2 and it is part of BBC Children in Need. It is lovely to see people rallying around and doing all sorts of things for it. It’s one of those charities where people have a real sense of ownership. They feel part of it.
And finally, will you be doing anything different on the night itself?!
Doubtless we will! I don’t know what is in store but I am sure it is going to be good fun.
