Cynthia Erivo and David Tennant confirmed for The Graham norton Show

The Graham Norton Show is welcoming another star-studded line-up on Friday, 13 November, with Cynthia Erivo, David Tennant, Laura Linney and Rob Brydon joining the famous red sofa for an evening of film, television and comedy.

The BBC One chat show will see host Graham Norton bring together some of the biggest names in entertainment to discuss their latest projects, from a screen adaptation of the acclaimed stage play Prima Facie to the return of the hit drama Rivals.

Triple Oscar nominee Linney will also discuss British romantic drama Onwards and Sideways, while Brydon is set to talk about his return to sitcom comedy in Bill’s Included.

Adding a musical highlight to the evening, Noah Kahan will perform The Great Divide, the title track from his current album.

The Graham Norton Show airs on Friday, 13 November at 10.40pm on BBC One.

Cynthia Erivo Discusses Prima Facie Film Adaptation

Cynthia Erivo will be among Norton’s guests, bringing her experience across film, television and theatre to the sofa as she discusses the film version of Prima Facie, the acclaimed play by Suzie Miller.

Erivo is widely recognised for her performance as Elphaba in the film adaptation of Wicked, which brought the beloved stage musical to a new generation of cinema audiences. Her work has also earned her major award recognition, including Tony, Emmy and Grammy wins.

Prima Facie is a particularly significant project because of the play’s reputation as a powerful examination of the justice system, sexual assault and the challenges faced by survivors seeking justice.

The original production follows Tessa, a criminal defence barrister whose confidence in the legal system is shaken when she experiences a traumatic event herself. The story explores the tension between the law’s principles and the realities of how victims are treated.

The screen adaptation brings the story to a new medium, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with a work that has prompted considerable discussion on stage.

Erivo’s appearance is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss the transition from theatre to screen and the continuing appeal of stories that tackle difficult social issues.

David Tennant Talks Rivals Season Two

David Tennant will also join Norton to discuss the new season of Rivals, the television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s bestselling novel.

Set in the fictional English county of Rutshire, the drama explores the rivalries, ambitions and romantic entanglements of wealthy and influential characters in the world of independent television.

The series centres on the fierce competition between television executives, particularly the battle for control of a regional television franchise. Against a backdrop of professional ambition, the story combines workplace rivalry with complicated relationships and the excesses of Britain’s upper classes.

Tennant plays Lord Tony Baddingham, a powerful television executive whose determination to maintain his position fuels much of the conflict.

The first season introduced audiences to the colourful world of Rutshire, where business rivalries spill into personal lives and loyalties are constantly tested. The new season promises another chapter in the battle for influence, with the show’s ensemble cast returning to its mix of drama, humour and romantic intrigue.

Tennant is known for a wide range of television roles, including the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who and the lead character in the crime drama Des. His appearance on the sofa will give viewers a chance to hear more about his latest work and the continuing appeal of Rivals.

Laura Linney Promotes British Romantic Drama Onwards and Sideways

Triple Oscar nominee Laura Linney is another major name on the line-up, appearing to discuss Onwards and Sideways, a British romantic drama.

Linney has built an acclaimed career across film, television and theatre, earning Academy Award nominations for You Can Count on Me, Kinsey and The Savages. She is also known for television roles in Ozark and The Big C, demonstrating her ability to move between emotionally demanding drama and dark comedy.

Her appearance will focus on Onwards and Sideways, described as a moving British romantic drama. The project adds another chapter to a career that has repeatedly explored complicated relationships, family dynamics and characters navigating major changes in their lives.

Romantic dramas often find their strength in the emotional journeys of their central characters, and the film’s description suggests a story that places those relationships at the heart of its appeal.

Further details about the film’s plot and supporting cast have not been provided in the programme information, but Linney’s involvement is likely to make the project a key talking point during the interview.

Rob Brydon Returns to Sitcom Comedy in Bill’s Included

Welsh comedian and actor Rob Brydon will bring a comedy angle to the evening as he discusses Bill’s Included, his return to the world of sitcom.

Brydon has become one of Britain’s most familiar comedy performers, with credits spanning television, film, panel shows and stand-up. He is particularly well known for hosting Would I Lie to You? and starring alongside Steve Coogan in The Trip, the acclaimed comedy series that blends scripted storytelling with improvisation.

His work often combines observational humour with character comedy, making him a regular presence on British television.

With Bill’s Included, Brydon returns to the sitcom format, offering an opportunity to explore a new comedy project and the appeal of character-driven television.

His appearance should provide a lighter counterpoint to the more dramatic projects being discussed by Erivo, Tennant and Linney.

Details about the sitcom’s wider cast and storyline have not been confirmed in the information released for the programme.

Noah Kahan Performs The Great Divide

Music will also feature prominently in the episode, with Noah Kahan taking to the stage to perform The Great Divide, the title track from his current album.

The American singer-songwriter has developed a substantial following through his emotionally direct songwriting, folk-influenced sound and lyrics exploring relationships, identity and personal struggles.

Kahan’s breakthrough album, Stick Season, helped establish him as a major name in contemporary folk-pop, with its title track becoming an international hit. His music has connected with listeners through its combination of intimate storytelling, memorable melodies and reflections on life away from major cities.

His performance of The Great Divide will give viewers a taste of his current musical direction and provide the show’s closing entertainment alongside the celebrity interviews.

The appearance adds a live music element to an episode already packed with major film and television projects.

When Is The Graham Norton Show on BBC One?

The new episode of The Graham Norton Show airs on Friday, 13 November at 10.40pm on BBC One.

The line-up brings together four major entertainment names, each promoting a different project: Cynthia Erivo with Prima Facie, David Tennant with Rivals, Laura Linney with Onwards and Sideways, and Rob Brydon with Bill’s Included.

Noah Kahan will provide the musical performance with The Great Divide.

With theatre, drama, romantic film, sitcom comedy and live music all represented, the episode promises a varied evening of entertainment on Norton’s famous red sofa.

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