Harry Styles in his frankest ever TV interview gives an exclusive
and stunning performance of his new solo single, Brendan
O’Carroll reveals that James Blunt is a lovely kisser, Vicky
McClure says no character is safe in Line of Duty, and Rob
Brydon talks about his reluctance to take to the road.
On tonight’s show (Friday 21st April) Graham welcomes Mrs Brown’s alter-ego,
Brendan O’Carroll, Line of Duty star Vicky McClure, comedian Rob Brydon,
and One Direction star Harry Styles.
Brendan, talking about All Round To Mrs Brown’s and Mrs Brown’s passionate
encounter with James Blunt, he says, “I leaned in mouthing words to the song he
was singing and he kissed me. With tongues! My wife asked me if I was
embarrassed and I said, ‘No. It was very nice. He’s a good kisser!’”
Demonstrating how he gets into the character, he says, “Mrs Brown has the walk
of someone waiting for a hip operation with a touch of Norman Wisdom.”
Talking about encountering world leaders while working as a professional waiter
before he found fame, he reveals, “I once almost killed Margaret Thatcher. It
was a big lunch at Dublin Castle and I was working the top table. We were
rushing to serve everyone before the event was on the 1o’clock news and with
just a few minutes to go Mrs Thatcher asked for some fresh strawberries.
“I served her and she then asked for some caster sugar. I rushed to get it and
with only seconds to spare I poured some on the fruit. While the news was going
out I watched as she put a spoonful in her mouth and at that moment realised the
bag I was holding was a bag of salt. Her face said it all! Only she and I knew
about it and it was never mentioned.”
Vicky, talking about the conclusion of the nail biting BBC drama Line of Duty,
says, “So much happens in the last two hours. It is great.” Revealing that the
show is filmed in two halves, she says, “I think filming all six in one go would be
overwhelming as there is so much to learn – it would be ‘lines and lines of duty!’”
Asked if her character makes it to the end of the series, she says, “You are
always waiting for the writer to kill you off.” Refusing to be drawn on how the
series ends, she says, “I am definitely in next week’s episode.” Adding, “You
can only be undercover so often so if I am in series five there will have to be
some changes.”
Talking about working with Thandie Newton, Vicky says, “I was nervous
beforehand because she is so good, but she is such a laugh.”
Asked if it is hard for the core team of actors having a new central character each
series, she says, “No, we love it. We have such an interesting cast.”
Talking about appearing with Madonna in Filth and Wisdom, she says, “I just got
a random call from her asking me to be in the movie. I took my mum to the
premiere in New York and when Madonna asked her if she’d liked the film, she
said, ‘Vicky didn’t think I would like it but it was alright!’ I couldn’t believe she had
said that to Madonna. I was mortified!”
Rob talking about his Road Trip series with Steve Coogan, reveals his initial
reluctance to take the part, “The first time I was asked I just didn’t get it and
turned it down. The second time I was asked I thought it was madness and the
third time I thought it was a challenge. Now I think it is a no-brainer. It has
become a lovely thing to do. It is great spending time together and it’s really
creative.”
Throughout the show Rob entertains everyone with his very clever
impersonations including Michael Caine, Mick Jagger, Hugh Grant and Andy
Murray.
Harry gives an exclusive UK Television performance of his debut solo single Sign
of the Times, before joining Graham for a chat.
Talking about his new album, he says, “I am excited and really proud of it. I have
worked so hard on it.”
Asked if it is lonely being by himself now, he jokes, “There’s certainly more room
in the dressing room!” Adding, I don’t feel on my own because I have such an
amazing band.”
And, on whether he will be touring, Harry says, “Yes, I think so. I’d like to.”
Fans in the audience screamed as Harry reveals more about himself in a series
of outrageous quick fire questions. Graham asks him to confirm or deny, by facial
expression only, some of the more outlandish stories that have appeared in the
press about him.
It is obvious from the look on his face that most of the stories – such as, working
as an estate agent, eating dog and using sheep’s placenta as a moisturiser – are
all completely fabricated. However, when asked if he had auditioned for the part
of Hans Solo and whether he is about to play Mick Jagger in a biopic of the
singer, Harry smiles knowingly but remains silent.
And finally, Graham pulls the lever on more foolhardy audience members brave
enough to sit in the Big Red Chair.
The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, 21st April 10.35pm
Pictures are available from PA
Notes to editors – all quotes in this release were said during the recording but
won’t necessarily appear in the final show.
Next week (28th April) Graham’s guests include Goldie Hawn, Amy Schumer,
Orlando Bloom, John Boyega and Eurovision hopeful Lucie Jones.
For further information please contact Mary Collins 07769 670516 or at
[email protected]
21st April 2017