Graham Norton has revealed the “huge influence” Gay Byrne has had on his career, admitting that he learned a lot while watching the RTE broadcaster host The Late Late Show.
Graham was always in awe of how calm and in control Gay was in front of the camera, and hoped to mimic that in his own career.
“I grew up with Gay Byrne. When I look back I can see that he was a huge influence on me. He was so at home in front of the camera,” he told US drag queen Ru Paul on his American podcast.
“When I watch archive clips you the show looks old fashioned but he was just so fluid. He could go from a really funny bit to serious.”
Referring to Gay’s former days on the Late Late Show, Graham said, “This was a light entertainment chat show. He was able to steer it with confidence.
“He said this is my show and anything can happen in the world because I’m in control.”
Meanwhile, Gay Byrne’s wife Kathleen has admitted she’s “overwhelmed” by people’s response to his cancer diagnosis.
