It was meant to be a lively evening of conversation about books, television, and a long career in broadcasting. Instead, Late Late Show viewers found themselves talking about a surprising story from the late 1990s—one that involved two of Ireland’s most recognisable names: Graham Norton and Daniel O’Donnell.
Fresh off a flight from New York, Graham Norton, 61, joined host Patrick Kielty as the first guest on Friday night’s programme. The world-famous chat show host was there to promote his latest novel, Frankie, released earlier this year. As expected, the discussion covered his writing process, his long-standing television success, and the differences between crafting fiction and hosting a talk show.
Kielty praised Norton’s storytelling ability and even complimented the vividness of certain scenes in the novel, prompting a playful exchange between the two men that drew laughter from the studio audience. The atmosphere was relaxed, witty, and unmistakably Irish in its humour.
But the evening took an unexpected turn when Kielty asked Norton whether there had ever been a guest who slipped through his fingers—someone who agreed to appear but ultimately never made it to the sofa.
Norton paused, smiled, and launched into a story that instantly caught the audience’s attention.
He recalled the early days of So Graham Norton on Channel 4, describing it as “a different time.” The late 1990s programme had built a reputation for pushing boundaries and embracing a bold, unpredictable style. “We were doing a lot of risky stuff back then—it was all a bit fun,” Norton reflected.
In that spirit, the production team decided to send an invitation to none other than Irish country music star Daniel O’Donnell. To their astonishment, Daniel agreed.
“We couldn’t believe it,” Norton admitted. The booking was confirmed, television listings were updated, and preparations were underway. It appeared that one of Ireland’s most wholesome and beloved performers would soon step into the lively and occasionally mischievous world of Norton’s Channel 4 set.
However, as the story goes, something changed.
According to Norton, it was the Friday before Daniel was scheduled to appear when either the singer himself or someone from his team tuned in to watch the programme. Soon after, the appearance was cancelled. “All of a sudden Daniel was busy and didn’t come on the show,” Norton laughed, delivering the line with his trademark timing.
The studio responded with amusement, and viewers at home quickly took to social media to share their reactions.
“You’ve got to love Graham Norton. Always a great guest,” wrote one viewer.
Another posted, “Brilliant line-up tonight—Graham Norton is a legend in his own right, Brendan O’Carroll, Adam Clayton, and to top it all, Paul Mescal! Friday nights don’t get much better than this.”
A third added, “I can’t believe that story about Daniel O’Donnell not going on the Graham Norton show back in the day—different times, I suppose.”
Indeed, “different times” seems to be the key phrase. The late 1990s television landscape was notably edgier, and Daniel O’Donnell’s carefully cultivated image—family-friendly, sincere, and rooted in traditional values—may not have aligned comfortably with the tone of Norton’s show at the time.
For many viewers, the revelation was less about controversy and more about contrast. On one side stood Graham Norton, known for his quick wit and daring humour. On the other stood Daniel O’Donnell, cherished for his gentle stage presence and devoted audience. The idea of the two worlds colliding was intriguing—and perhaps, in hindsight, a little improbable.
What made the moment so engaging was Norton’s delivery. There was no bitterness, no criticism—only a humorous recollection of an almost-booking that became part of television folklore. It was shared as an anecdote, not an accusation.
The exchange also served as a reminder of how careers evolve. Norton himself acknowledged that those early Channel 4 years had a different tone from the polished, prime-time BBC show he hosts today. Likewise, Daniel O’Donnell has remained steadfast in his musical path, maintaining a loyal fan base across decades.
In the end, the “bombshell” was less scandal and more storytelling—a glimpse into a moment when two very different strands of Irish entertainment nearly intersected.
And if the reaction from Late Late Show viewers proved anything, it is this: Ireland never tires of a good story, especially when it involves two household names and a twist from television history that few ever knew about.