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Graham Norton Reveals What Madonna Is Really Like Behind the Scenes

Graham Norton Reveals What Madonna Is Really Like Behind the Scenes
Graham Norton Reveals What Madonna Is Really Like Behind the Scenes
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Graham Norton Reveals What Madonna Is Really Like Behind the Scenes

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Graham Norton Reveals What Madonna Is Really Like Behind the Scenes

Graham Norton Faces Madonna

Graham Norton has reflected on interviewing Madonna for a new world-exclusive BBC special filmed at Koko in London’s Camden.

The venue has deep significance for the 67-year-old star. Then known as Camden Palace, it hosted her first UK gig in 1983, making the setting a clear nod to the start of her bond with British audiences.

In the programme, Madonna looks back on her early years in New York, her relationship with the UK, her recent Coachella performance and key moments from her career. Long-time collaborator Stuart Price also appears, giving Norton insight into her new album and its creative process. Price’s role connects the project to Confessions on a Dance Floor, while the special also sits in the wider context of collaborators such as William Orbit, who helped define Ray of Light and Frozen, and Mirwais, who worked with her on Madame X.

Speaking on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Gary Davies, Norton recalled hosting a London Q&A for Madonna’s 2019 Madame X album. Fans had travelled from around the world, with many hoping she would sign tattoos dedicated to her. Madonna, he said, agreed only to sign tattoos linked to Madame X, and at least 20 people had already had them inked.

Asked whether interviewing her was intimidating, Norton admitted it was, saying she “does not suffer fools.” He added that Madonna is unlikely to tolerate weak questions or an interviewer she does not rate, although he has never personally reached that point with her.

Davies noted that Madonna clearly trusted Norton, having returned for several interviews. Norton also remembered being invited on stage during one of her tours. Though his instinct was to refuse, he said his younger self would never have forgiven him. He called the result mortifying dad dancing, but admitted he enjoyed it at the time.

Norton said the latest shoot involved Madonna’s small, loyal core team, including a PR figure who has worked with her since 1983. Filming moved through Koko’s dance floor, recording studio and bar, giving the special the feel of both a career interview and a return to a landmark venue in Madonna’s UK story.

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