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Graham Norton returned home to West Cork to record his very first show with Virgin Radio UK.

Graham rocked a casual outfit of a hoodie and cargo pants as he sat down to broadcast the show from C103’s West Cork studio on Sunday morning.

C103’s Kieran McGeary shared a photo of the two, writing: “Glad to welcome @grahnort to studio @ C103Cork West Cork this morning.

“He’s playing his show on our sister station @VirginRadioUK from here.”

The Bandon native said it was “very sad” to leave BBC Radio 2, but Virgin Radio’s “enthusiasm and energy” was “contagious”.

“I was very happy with where I was, but the opportunity to host shows throughout the weekend seemed too good to be missed,” he said.

Glad to welcome @grahnort To @ C103Cork West Cork studio this morning. He broadcasts his show on our sister station @VirginRadioUK from here. pic.twitter.com/h0rqstq6ED

– Kieran McGeary (@kieranmcgeary) June 12, 2021

“Plus, the energy and enthusiasm of Virgin Radio is contagious and I can’t wait to get started! Did I mention that the studios are very close to where I live? ‘

Graham assured fans that the BBC will remain his “perfect TV home” with his talk show, Eurovision and Drag Race UK.

An adaptation of Graham Norton’s novel Holding will begin filming in Ireland this summer.

Holding tells the story of an investigator who arrives in Duneen to solve a mysterious crime, confronted with decades of local gossip and secrets.

The discovery of human remains on an old farm in Duneen forces Sergeant PJ Collins to delve into the village’s dark past and tear webs of anger, resentment, envy and regret.

The four-part television adaptation of Holding will star North Irish actor Conleth Hill, best known for his role as the all-knowing Varys in Game of Thrones.

Virgin Radio launches dedicated LGBT community station with hosts including RuPaul Drag Race star and BBC Radio presenter who came out live non-binary

• Virgin Radio Pride UK will be broadcast from June 7 to the end of September
• He will address issues such as trans rights, gay adoption and parenting support
• Hosts will be joined in the conversation by guest contributors, Virgin revealed
• Presenters include Matt Cain, Emma Goswell, Debbie Ryan and Phil Clifton

By Emer Scully for Mailonline

Posted: 4:23 AM EDT, June 3, 2021 | Update: 7:19 p.m. EDT, June 6, 2021

Virgin Radio will launch an LGBT station that will operate during the summer, the station revealed.

The station, called Pride UK, will air from June 7 to the end of September and will focus on issues such as trans rights, gay adoption, living with HIV and helping parents understand LGBT topics.

The list of presenters includes Tia Kofi, a former RuPaul Drag Race United Kingdom star, and Shivani Dave, who came out live non-binary on a pride show on BBC Radio Wiltshire.

The hosts will be joined by famous guest contributors and will partner with pride marches across the country, as well as LGBT organizations.

Other presenters include LGBTQ + radio DJs Vicki Blight, Phil Clifton, Stephen Sullivan, Debbie Ryan and Emma Goswell as well as acclaimed journalist and writer Matt Cain – who previously worked as editor of Attitude, the British magazine. the most sold for homosexuals. Men.

The list of presenters includes Tia Kofi (left), a former RuPaul Drag Race UK star, and Shivani Dave (right), who came out live non-binary on a pride show on BBC Radio Wiltshire

The station, called Pride UK, will air from June 7 until the end of September. Pictured is a giant rainbow flag during the annual London Pride Parade in London, Britain July 07, 2018

The lineup includes documentaries about being bisexual in 2021, how the LGBT community shapes dance music, and a weekly magazine by Cain called The Sunday Roast.

Virgin Radio Pride UK will play largely pop-dance and pop-R & B from the past 20 years, the broadcaster said.

Drag queen Kofi said, “I am so excited to be a part of the launch of this amazing new LGBTQ + station.

“We’ve created something made by queer people for queer people and beyond, and it’s going to be amazing.

Other presenters include LGBTQ + radio DJs Vicki Blight, Phil Clifton and Emma Goswell, as well as acclaimed journalist and writer Matt Cain (pictured) – who previously worked as editor of Attitude, the best-selling magazine in the world. UK for gay men.

“Get ready for the ultimate Friday night pre-party with me, as well as some sensational content from the entire LGBTQ + community.”

After the announcement, Cain took to Twitter to celebrate. He said, “I have EXCITING NEWS! I’m joining #VirginRadioPride to present the station’s flagship talk show! Think of it as Loose Women for queer people – discussing all kinds of issues affecting the LGBT + community. And I can’t wait to crack.

You can listen to Virgin Radio Pride UK from June 7 on DAB in London, online or through the Virgin Radio app.

Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race UK on Stan in Australia.

Who are the presenters of Virgin Radio UK Pride UK?

Tia Kofi

Lawrence Bolton, known by the stage name Tia Kofi, is a British drag queen from Clapham, south London. They are best known for competing in the second round of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

Lawrence Bolton, known by the stage name Tia Kofi

Emma Goswell

Celebrity radio presenter Emma Goswell featured breakfast on Gaydio, the world’s largest LGBT radio station for five years between 2013 and 2018.

Famous radio host Emma Goswell

Phil clifton

A British radio presenter and nominated for Sony television, Phil Clifton has appeared on MTV, Radio X and formerly Channel 4.

Phil Clifton appeared on MTV

Vicki Scourge

Plymouth-born Vicki Blight has featured on Heart 106, a regional radio station broadcast in the East Midlands, Absolute Radio, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio Wales.

Vicki Blight, born in Plymouth

Matt Cain

Writer Matt Cain worked as the editor of Attitude, the UK’s top-selling magazine for gay men between 2016 and 2018. He is also an ambassador for Manchester Pride and the Albert Kennedy Trust, the charity UK for homeless LGBT + youth.

Between 2016 and 2018, Matt worked as the editor of Attitude, the UK’s top-selling magazine for gay men.

Matt Cain worked as Editor-in-Chief of Attitude

Debbie ryan

Debbie Ryan worked with co-host Neil Sexton as NDebz on Gaydio accommodation on Saturday morning. The Guardian described the duo as “very successfully reprising mainstream breakfast shows with their largely reactionary chatter.”

Debbie Ryan worked with Neil Sexton

Shivani Dave

BBC Radio Wiltshire presenter Shivani Dave used his platform to release live non-binary over the air last year. “I don’t identify with being a man or a woman. I’m kind of outside of those two options – I’m just one person, ”they said.

Presenter Shivani Dave

Stephen sullivan

Club Entertainment Director Stephen Sullivan has previously hosted a number of Heart radio shows, often acting as a replacement for other DJs while balancing his work as a promoter.

Stephen sullivan

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Graham Norton has signed off his first show as a weekend host at Virgin Radio after promising listeners they should expect the “same old me”.

he chat show host, who left BBC Radio 2 in December after a decade on air, kicked off his new slot with a song by “the original virgin” – Hung Up by Madonna.

The 57-year-old has followed in the footsteps of ex-Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans in joining Virgin Radio, and Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman is replacing him in his former slot.

Starting his show on Saturday morning, Norton thanked early morning presenter Amy Voce for her glowing introduction.

He said: “Yes, that is my name. Thank you very much to Amy for the last few hours.

“So this is it. New station, new year, new show. Sadly, same old me, as the jingle indicated.

“I am Graham Norton and I am here for the next three hours or so and tomorrow as well – fair warning.

“So what have we got? We have got some rambling chat, a couple of guests and of course some great music. Let’s kick off with the original virgin. ”

He was joined by long-standing presenting partner Maria McErlane, who is known for co-hosting the Grill Graham agony aunt segment on Radio 2.

They tackled the problems of his new Virgin Radio listeners as part of Graham’s Guide, helping siblings settle a Christmas dispute.

A new segment saw listeners challenged to guess the name of celebrity guest who had appeared on one of Norton’s chat shows since the 1990s, through only a short audio clip of them being interviewed.

He also debuted a new catchphrase for the show – “Top of the tower, top of the hour” – in reference to the radio station’s location in London Bridge.

Cold Feet actress Fay Ripley joined the show to discuss her role as a team captain on Paul Sinha’s TV Showdown.

Elsewhere, Ralf Little from Death In Paradise jokingly invited Norton on to the BBC show to play one of the murder victims.

Norton revealed that his mother had tuned in after some initial problems with her smart speaker.

He said: “Good news. My mother has been in touch and she says she can hear me loud and clear – and it’s not often she can hear me loud and clear. ”

There was also excitement from Norton at being in control of the buttons on his studio desk, after years at the BBC having an assistant in command.

“You know I am pressing the buttons,” he told McErlane.

“This is me running before I can walk. I am going to try and create a brand new jingle for you. ”

She replied: “That has given me all the feels Graham. I am crying here. ”

Signing off after three hours, he told listeners: “That is nearly the end of our first show at Virgin Radio UK. I will be back tomorrow bright and early at 9.30. I hope you can join me. ”

He closed the program by playing If You’re Over Me by Years & Years.

Norton’s other selections on the show included Tonight Is The Night by McFly and Summer Of ’69 by Bryan Adams.

He broadcast his final Radio 2 program from London’s Wogan House in December – 10 years after his first Saturday morning show for the station.

Norton joined Radio 2 in 2010 to host the 10am to 1pm slot on Saturdays, taking over from Jonathan Ross.

Figures released in September showed he was among the top earners at the broadcaster and he took about £ 725,000 home for his Radio 2 show and some TV work, but not his BBC One chat show.

Graham Norton is on Virgin Radio on Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Graham Norton said his new show on Virgin Radio would be a “blow in the arm” after a decade on BBC Radio 2.

The presenter, who makes his debut as a weekend host on Saturday, joked that it was the first time he had adrenaline in his body since 2010.

The 57-year-old follows in the footsteps of former Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans by joining the station, and is replaced at the BBC by Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman.

He told the PA News Agency, “I would say I’m a little nervous. Nervous and excited, which is rare for me. I like it. I like to feel like that.

“I haven’t had adrenaline in my body for about 10 years. It is a shock to the system. “

Speaking of feeling grateful for the work during the coronavirus pandemic, he added, “I’m really excited because the opportunity to start something new right now is amazing.

“Because I’ve been on Radio 2 for a long time, you get into a routine, and I was happy there, but it’s just a hit in the arm. It’s very exciting.”

Norton aired its last Radio 2 program from Wogan House in London in December – 10 years after its first Saturday morning show for the station.

He will be joined on Virgin Radio by longtime Presenting Partner Maria McErlane known for co-hosting the Aunt Agony Grill Graham segment.

But Norton predicted his debut on Saturday would be “a little weird.”

He said: “There are bound to be a few costumes that smell and I will be aware that there will probably be reporters listening to him to see what I’m saying… oh my God.

“Sunday will be the first suitable day when it’s just me and the real listeners and we have a good time. But tomorrow will be a little strange I guess.

Norton also appeared on Evans’ breakfast show Friday, where he admitted he kept forgetting that he doubled his workload on weekends.

“Even I always forget about the Sunday show,” he said.

“I hope I will introduce myself. I was at the supermarket yesterday looking at avocados thinking, “Oh, that would be great Sunday morning… oh, no”.

However, the talk show host said the extra schedule would not affect him too much due to Covid-19 restrictions which were already disrupting his social life.

He said: “Before the pandemic, I would normally be out on a Saturday night for dinner or something – that wouldn’t be crazy. But for now, the difference is that I won’t be watching the seventh and eighth episode of something, I’m going to bed to be ready for the Sunday show.

Evans, 54, also reminded him of the role he played in pushing him away from the BBC.

He said, “The last time you were on the breakfast show, you said, ‘It’s lovely in here,’ and I said, ‘It is, it is. “

“And you said,” You look so different and happy, “and I said,” I know. “

“I loved working at Radio 2 but didn’t know there was another level of joy to be had. And you have the same vibe, don’t you?

Norton replied, “I really did. And you were like, ‘Oh, you should come work here.’ And as I walked away thinking, ‘Well, that will never happen, but it actually would be. pretty good. “

Norton joined Radio 2 in 2010 to host the 10am to 1pm Saturday slot, succeeding Jonathan Ross.

Figures released in September showed he was among the broadcaster’s top earners and took around £ 725,000 for his show on Radio 2 and some TV work, but not for his talk show on BBC One.

Graham Norton is on Virgin Radio Saturdays and Sundays 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Virgin Radio pays tribute to presenter Pete Mitchell on Friday afternoon following news of his sudden death.

The station told listeners in its 1 p.m. newscast that Pete died suddenly Thursday night.

A statement from family friend Jo Houlcroft said: “It is with incredible sadness that I must announce the sad passing of Virgin Radio presenter Pete Mitchell, who passed away very suddenly on Thursday March 12 at the age of 61 years old. Pete collapsed while walking near his home in Stockport, the cause of his death is still unknown but he was not believed to be showing any signs of illness. Pete was a seasoned entertainer, whose career at the radio lasted thirty-four years. He was knowledgeable and passionate about music of all genres, discovering and supporting many bands and was an integral part of the Manchester music scene. His wife Helen and two adult sons Adam and Sean are devastated by their loss. Her family have asked for her privacy at this very difficult time. “

Pete was born in Manchester and started his radio career at Red Rose Radio, then Piccadilly Radio. He then worked for several stations, including BBC Radio 2, 6 Music, XFM and Absolute Radio.

He was well known for his association with Geoff Lloyd, hosting The Pete and Geoff on Key 103 in the 90s. They went to Virgin Radio (now Absolute) in 1999 to host the evening show, but switched to quickly made it to breakfast, which ended in 2005.

Pete then joined BBC Radio 2 to host a number of shows and documentaries.

After that, Pete joined XFM for the Manchester Breakfast and more recently returned to Absolute Radio with programming on a number of stations for decades. In 2018, he returned to the Virgin Radio brand with some musical documentaries.

Most recently, he hosted a monthly documentary series Revolutions in Music on Virgin.

He was known as the first DJ to play Oasis on radio and appeared in a number of TV shows communicating his passion for music, and also led various high profile appearances as a club DJ.

Former co-presenter Geoff Lloyd tweeted a photo of him and Pete of their Virgin Radio breakfast days, with the words, “Beyond the Devastation. I am overwhelmed by the memories of the years we worked together on radio, and many more of our friendship. Pete was the kindest, most loyal friend. He will be missed by so many people, especially Helen and her boys – of whom he was always proud. “

Beyond devastated. I am overwhelmed by the memories of the years we worked together on radio, and many more of our friendship. Pete was the kindest, most loyal friend. He will be missed by so many people, especially Helen and her boys – of whom he was always proud pic.twitter.com/ViYLWZMxlg

– Geoff Lloyd (@GeoffLloyd) March 13, 2020

Mike Cass, Content Director of Virgin Radio UK, told RadioToday: “It’s incredibly hard to think of Pete in the past tense. He was a great talent on radio, a talented interviewer, a real part of the Virgin Radio spirit and a wonderful man.

A tribute from everyone at Absolute Radio reads: “Pete was an incredibly talented host, a much respected colleague and a much loved friend. He was an integral part of the One Golden Square family and his passion for music always shone in every program he presented and produced. We send our love and thoughts to his family.

BBC Radio 2 tweeted: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of highly respected music radio presenter Pete Mitchell, who has worked on both BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music. Our hearts go out today to Pete’s friends and family.

Extremely saddened by the passing of Pete Mitchell. A huge contributor over the years to this country’s music radio, but most of all a simply lovely, kind and gentle human being.
I loved working with him. My thoughts are with his family and my friend @GeoffLloyd too much. #RIPPetemitchell

– Russ Williams 📻⚽️🎙 (@ Russw777) March 13, 2020

So sad to hear the news of Pete Mitchell’s passing today. Pete was a wonderful DJ and a lovely man and a champion of many Manchester bands. He gave us some of our early plays and radio sessions and we will always remember him with love and great affection. RIP x pic.twitter.com/32imLefuki

– Space monkeys (@spacemonkeys) March 13, 2020

Ahhhh that’s sad. Pete and Geoff let me do some work experience with them at the time. Their show was class together, and they couldn’t have been more encouraging. RIP Pete x

– Chris Stark (@Chris_Stark) March 13, 2020

Absolutely overwhelming to learn of Pete Mitchell’s sad death

A gentle man, a wicked sense of humor and encyclopedic knowledge and absolute love for music

An honor to fill your huge boots at XFM Manchester. And to work alongside you at @VirginRadioUK

A Mancunian legend. pic.twitter.com/Wd47CcNfuf

– Tim Cocker (@cocker) March 13, 2020

I met Pete once at Key 103. He was on the air at the time (with Geoff) and put up with me watching him work.

Eternally grateful for your patience Pete.

– Damien Saint-Jean (@damienstjohn) March 13, 2020

We are saddened to learn of the passing of highly respected music radio presenter Pete Mitchell, who has worked on both BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.

Our hearts go out today to Pete’s friends and family. pic.twitter.com/QNBVegZmA6

– BBC Radio 2 (@ BBCRadio2) March 13, 2020

My heart is broken by this news. Pete was a fantastic DJ and we were working on soul podcasts together

– Richard Searling BEM (@RichardSearling) March 13, 2020

😔

– Simon jagger (@radiojagger) March 13, 2020

Shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pete Mitchell.
Our time together at Key 103 was something that I always remember as being happy and a lot of fun.
Thoughts and much love to Pete’s family x #RIPPeteMitchell

– Steve Penk (@StevePenk) March 13, 2020

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved friend and colleague, Pete Mitchell.https://t.co/VUDQYZTcaQ

– Virgin Radio UK (@VirginRadioUK) March 13, 2020

I just heard the news of Pete Mitchell’s passing.
Best DJ
Top guys.
Proppa Manc.
RIP Mister Music Man.
💙💙💙💙 pic.twitter.com/P6PonmLC6N

– Ivor Anthony (@ ivoranthony2) March 13, 2020

Sad news – Legendary #Manchester Broadcaster Pete Mitchell has passed away at the age of 61.

He has featured on a number of radio stations including Piccadilly / Key 103

He was a large part of the #Manchester music scene, discovering and supporting many groups.#TO TEAR APART pic.twitter.com/V8bWV08Hjv

– Hits Manchester News (@hitsmcrnews) March 13, 2020