Comedy Central signs chat show king

Graham Norton is on the verge of cracking America after signing a two-year deal with Comedy Central.

The comic will make a US version of his Channel 4 show, which will run for at least 13 episodes, as well as hosting various specials.

ABC and NBC network chiefs were also interested in signing him, but the smaller cable channel won through.

Norton told the Hollywood Reporter: "Comedy Central seemed a safer place to start in America. I won't look as freakish there as I would have on one of the bigger networks."

Bill Hilary, general manager of Comedy Central, added: "We've been keeping our eyes on him for the past few years, and we felt it was time to bring him over. He's an extremely funny man."

Norton's show, which is expected to start next June, will be Comedy Central's first hour-long series. It will be produced by Norton's own company So TV.

Under the deal, Norton will also present four instalments of the movie review show Reel Comedy.

Graham Norton has a small cult following in the States, since his chat show has been aired on commercial cable channel BBC America,.

And he is currently on a small US tour, opening in Los Angeles last night.

Reviews of last week's in leg in San Francisco called him "quick, acute, continually surprising" and the show "one hilarious romp".

Published: 24 Sep 2003