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Graham Norton names 'drunk' A-list US celebrity guest who was ‘hell’ to interview on his show
Talk show host Graham Norton has opened up about the most chaotic and unforgettable interview in his long-running BBC career, revealing that a well-known actor was his most difficult guest after showing up drunk to The Graham Norton Show.
Speaking at the Henley Literary Festival 2025 on Friday (October 10), Norton described the taping as “hell,” admitting it quickly spiraled out of control once the actor began to feel the effects of whatever was in his system.
“Mark Wahlberg was a weird one because when he arrived, he didn’t seem drunk,” Norton told the audience, according to The Independent. “He told me about his film, told me a couple of stories about stunts going wrong or whatever, and then it was only 15 minutes into the show when whatever the hell was in his system really took hold, and it was hell.”
Mark Wahlberg’s Infamous 2013 Appearance on The Graham Norton Show
The now-infamous episode aired in 2013, when Wahlberg was promoting his crime thriller Broken City. He shared the sofa with comedian Sarah Silverman and actor Michael Fassbender, who managed to stay focused as the Hollywood star’s behavior grew increasingly erratic.
At first, things appeared to be going smoothly. But as Norton continued chatting with Fassbender, he realized something strange. “I thought, ‘This one is going well ,I wonder why,’” he recalled. “Then I looked over at Mark Wahlberg and he was asleep. So yeah, we don’t encourage that.”
Viewers of the episode may remember Wahlberg leaning on Norton’s shoulder, slurring jokes, and interrupting conversations, a moment that quickly went viral and became one of the show’s most talked-about interviews ever.
Norton Names Other “Tricky” Guests Who’ve Appeared Intoxicated
While Wahlberg may have topped the list, Norton admitted he’s had other guests who turned up a little too relaxed before going on air. Among them was actor Mickey Rourke, who reportedly arrived having already drunk half a bottle of Jack Daniel’s.
Norton, who’s been hosting his hit talk show since 2007, said experiences like these are rare but memorable, especially when they happen in front of a live studio audience. “It’s live-ish TV,” he joked, “so you just have to get through it and smile.”
The Graham Norton Show Secures Three More Seasons on BBC
Despite the occasional on-air chaos, The Graham Norton Show remains one of the BBC’s most popular entertainment programs. The network recently renewed Norton’s contract, signing a three-year deal with So Television to produce three more series for BBC One and iPlayer.
The new contract begins with Series 34, set to air in 2026, promising more celebrity interviews, unpredictable moments, and Norton’s trademark wit.
In his most recent episode, the beloved host welcomed Julia Roberts, Colin Farrell, Gloria Estefan, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Robbie Williams, proving once again that no one does celebrity chaos quite like Graham Norton.