The Graham Norton Show

First Night: The Graham Norton Show, BBC1

Relief at the BBC as Norton plays it safe in Ross's shoes.

After Jonathan Ross announced he was leaving the BBC, there was a frenzy of torrid speculation about his possible Friday Night with Jonathan Ross replacement. Which was ridiculous for two reasons: (a) it was only a chat show and (b) it had to be Graham Norton. Every half-baked pop star, every failing, narcissistic actor thinks that hosting a chat show is the easy route to riches because, surely, there's nothing to it. But Norton, more than anyone, shows all these no-hopers it needs consummate skill and an almost frightening ability to think on your feet. Norton is brilliant and so much better than Ross because he is able to spark and then sustain a proper conversation. And he's flipping funny. Tonight's opener features fiery songstrel Charlotte Church, Hollwood actress Maggie Gyllenhaal and comedian Russell Howard, without whom no panel game or chat show is complete. Or so it seems.

The BBC didn't have to look far for a presenter to fill Jonathan Ross's shoes. All it took was a quick shuffle of the schedules, cross out the word "Monday", replace it with "Friday" and Hey Presto! The Graham Norton Show is all good to go.

We predict his move to the coveted Friday night throne will be sparkling and seamless as the new King Of Chat welcomes Charlotte Church, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal and comedian Russell Howard (whose own new series started on BBC3 last night).

The irony of the risque host being turned into the BBC's safe pair of hands in the wake of the Sachsgate fiasco won't be lost on Norton and we'll be disappointed if he doesn't milk this for a bit of comedy mileage. At least, it should be a nice change for female guests not to be leered at.

'BBC can trust me', says Graham Norton

Graham Norton has assured the BBC he can be trusted not to ignite any scandals after stepping into Jonathan Ross's shoes on radio and TV.

Graham Norton: agony uncle

What qualifies me, Graham Norton, to be an agony uncle, you may have wondered way back at the beginning?

Graham Norton show to replace Friday Night with Ross

Graham Norton's chat show is to replace Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, the controller of BBC One has said.

Norton to take over from Ross on Friday night chat show

Graham Norton is set to step in to take over the Friday night BBC1 chat-show slot soon to be vacated by Jonathan Ross.

Graham Norton shows us how it's done

Despite his reputation for making great television at the expense of his guests, the stars still come flocking, and recent interviewees on The Graham Norton Show have included comedy hero John Cleese and Hollywood A-lister Jennifer Lopez.

Graham Norton pokes fun at Dr Who blunder

Graham Norton pokes fun at the BBC's Doctor Who trailer blunder by getting exterminated by a Dalek.

Jonathan Ross is on his way out, but all hail Graham Norton, whose chat show is breezy, silly and a perfect nightcap at the end of the first day of the working week. I particularly like the way all of his guests end up on the sofa together, rather than each scurrying off to the green room after their moments in the spotlight to giggle self-consciously while everyone else has their turn. Some of the best bits of the last series involved high jinks between the stars, like the hopelessly solipsistic Katie Price coming under the withering gaze of a mischievous Jo Brand. Or model/actress Lily Cole looking lost as she droned on about her new film, while Sue Perkins and Isabella Rossellini were there just to enjoy themselves. Tonight's guests Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant should be good value as they discuss their new film Cemetery Junction. They'll be joined by actress Christina Ricci, and there's music from Pixie Lott.