RTE Late Late Show Viewers Gobsmacked After Graham Norton Drops Unexpected Daniel O’Donnell Bombshell
When Graham Norton sits down for an interview, audiences expect wit, charm, and a few unforgettable stories — but during his 2025 appearance on the RTÉ Late Late Show, viewers were left stunned after he revealed a surprise detail involving none other than Daniel O’Donnell, Ireland’s beloved country music star. What began as a light-hearted chat about Norton’s new novel quickly turned into one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
Norton, 61, had just flown in from New York and was the first guest welcomed by host Patrick Kielty. He was there to promote his latest book, “Frankie,” which has already earned praise for its emotional depth and sharp storytelling. Kielty, clearly impressed, even joked about Norton’s ability to write romance scenes — a playful exchange that set the tone for what would become an unexpectedly entertaining segment.
But then came the question that shifted the conversation entirely:
Had there ever been a guest who got away?
Norton paused, smiled, and began telling a story from the late 1990s — an era when his Channel 4 show “So Graham Norton” was known for its cheeky humor, unpredictable antics, and anything-goes style. Back then, he said, the team sent invitations to all kinds of celebrities, including one they never expected to hear back from: Daniel O’Donnell.
To everyone’s astonishment, Daniel said yes. The producers were delighted. Schedules were set. Daniel’s name went into the TV listings. Everything was ready.
And then, just a few days before the show, something changed.
Norton explained with a laugh that someone — either Daniel himself or someone from his camp — had tuned in to watch one of the episodes. Given the show’s playful, sometimes risqué humour, which was very different from Daniel’s wholesome public image, the reaction must have been immediate.
Suddenly, Norton said, Daniel was “busy” and could no longer appear.
The audience roared. Kielty threw his head back in laughter. And viewers across Ireland reacted instantly on social media.
One viewer wrote:
“I can’t believe that story about Daniel O’Donnell refusing Graham Norton. Different times!”
Another said:
“You’ve got to love Graham Norton — always hilarious, always a great guest.”
Others praised the star-studded lineup of the night, which included Brendan O’Carroll, Samantha Barry, Adam Clayton of U2, and Paul Mescal, calling it one of the strongest episodes of the season.
What made the moment so striking wasn’t that Daniel declined — it was the reason. In the late 1990s, “So Graham Norton” was wildly different from the comfortable, warm world Daniel inhabited as a beloved entertainer known for kindness, gentleness, and family-friendly performances. For many fans, the story simply highlighted Daniel’s desire to stay true to himself, even if it meant walking away from a major TV appearance.
Graham told the tale with affection, not mockery. In fact, his tone suggested admiration — Daniel O’Donnell knew who he was, what he represented, and what did or didn’t suit his brand. And decades later, that authenticity is exactly why fans cherish him.
In the end, the “bombshell” was less a scandal and more a delightful peek behind the curtain — a reminder of how unpredictable show business can be, and how even two of Ireland’s most iconic personalities can cross paths in ways fans never knew.
The clip quickly went viral, proving once again that when Graham Norton tells a story, the whole country listens — and when the story involves Daniel O’Donnell, Ireland laughs, reminisces, and loves him all the more.