The Graham Norton Show

Stephen Merchant in autism 'jibe' row

Telly funnyman Stephen Merchant has come under fire for poking fun at autism sufferers.

Tom Cruise spills the beans about the people he ignores when they tell him "No" and Billy Crystal reveals who he says "Yes" to.

The pair top the bill in this big-name New Year's Eve line-up - and are also joined Rosamund Pike, who stars alongside Cruise in action thriller Jack Reacher.

Adding to the Hollywood head-count is Hugh Jackman who talks about his latest singing role in the film version of Les Miserables and reveals why he's got Russell Crowe to thank for his career.

And our own Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry tell Graham whether they'll be tempted to appear in a US version of The Great British Bake Off.

Also appearing are John Bishop and Pink who tells why she snared her husband. We know what to get Graham for Christmas next year - a bigger sofa.

It's one of the big nights of the year and Graham Norton has a sensational line-up to celebrate. In fact, it has the potential to be such a wild and funny show maybe you should cancel your plans to go out to that warm-wine-and-nibbles party you weren't particularly looking forward to and just stay in instead.

So how about this lot to make your New Year's Eve go with a proper swing: Tom Cruise, Hugh Jackman, Billy Crystal, John Bishop and The Great British Bake Off's Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry, with music from Pink. Incredible, isn't it? What will the sainted Mary make of it all? Will Cruise, in town to promote his new film Jack Reacher, be acquainted with soggy bottoms? Can Jackman, starring in the movie version of Les Misérables, make rough-puff pastry? We need to know.

This is one of those weeks when Norton's red banquette seems to have the pulling power of a locomotive. First there's Martin Freeman: the opening film of The Hobbit trilogy is released today, which means the diffident Freeman, who plays Bilbo Baggins, is about to turn into a major global star.

Also on the banquette will be Emma Thompson, Dawn French and TV's fastest wit, Lee Mack. Plus, for good measure, there's music from newly reunited Girls Aloud.

The presence on Norton's sofa of those icons of innocent childhood, Peter Rabbit and Bilbo Baggins, is a startling juxtaposition. But Norton is full of surprises. Actually, it's not the rabbit himself who puts in an appearance, but actress Emma Thompson, who has written a sequel to Beatrix Potter's beloved story. Martin Freeman talks about his role as the hairy-toed hobbit in Peter Jackson's new film, and the recently re-formed Girls Aloud perform.

Tonight's line-up has the potential for all kinds of off-kilter brilliance - Hollywood star Jake Gyllenhaal, caustic comic Joan Rivers and Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson and James May. Makes you almost feel sorry for Gyllenhaal, a serious actor, surrounded by that lot. His sister Maggie was a Norton guest two years ago and looked terrified.

He's here to talk about his latest film, the police thriller End of Watch. Rivers will be triumphant after a sell-out British tour, while Clarkson and May have a Top Gear DVD to plug.

It's a dangerous business, this cycling lark. Bradley Wiggins should have been parked on Graham's sofa tonight but is at home nursing cracked ribs having taken a tumble, leaving more time for Gambit star Cameron Diaz and comedian Sarah Millican to talk in tandem at host Graham. Another guest? Cue a quick scout round the BBC canteen to see who's lurking near the cold cuts.

Robbie Williams is tonight's big guest, and doubtless he'll dominate the sofa with that full-beam charm and laddishness he's so famous for. Or maybe now he's a dad he'll have become all sensible and possibly even a bit tired after those broken nights. We shall see.

Sharing the limelight in the studio will be Paul O'Grady, whose recent ITV1 series about cute abandoned canines, For the Love of Dogs, was a surprise ratings hit, and new Strictly Come Dancing judge, ballerina Darcey "Yah" Bussell will bring some poised glamour.

Norton hosts a James Bond special tonight when 007 himself Daniel Craig, his boss Judi Dench ("M") and his latest adversary, Javier Bardem, make themselves comfortable on the sofa.

The trio star in the eagerly anticipated 23rd Bond movie, Skyfall, directed by Sam Mendes. A brief trailer released on the internet whetted appetites of Bond fans across the globe, and not just because it featured a brief shot of Bond in his trunks emerging slick from a swimming pool.

So there is much to talk about, and not just the film. Here's hoping we hear Craig talk about that unforgettable little moment back in the summer when Bond strode through the carpeted corridors of Buckingham Palace to escort his employer, the Queen, to the Olympic Games opening ceremony. For many her short greeting - "Good evening, Mr Bond" - was the highlight of a momentous evening.

The 007 publicity machine has parachuted in a special line-up for a Skyfall-themed episode tonight. Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench and new baddie Javier Bardem join Norton for a chat about the latest Bond instalment. Lacking a comedian on the couch to contribute jokes, Norton may have to work overtime to get the best from Craig, but we're confident that a bit of gentle teasing and perhaps a martini will loosen him up.