Graham Norton thanks listeners in emotional radio show sign-off

"It has been such a privilege to sit here and share your weekends with you."

Graham Norton signed off his Virgin Radio weekend slot with a lovely farewell message to his colleagues and listeners on Sunday. The Irish presenter announced his shock departure from the role over the weekend, saying that he wants his weekends back, after thirteen years presenting on both BBC Radio 2 and Virgin radio. Donning the headphones for the last time, the 60-year-old said that he will still be working for the company in other capacities.

Graham Norton thanks listeners in emotional radio show sign-off

The Cork man played out his final show on Virgin with the first song he played when he took up the role, Madonna's 'Hung Up'. Thanking his management and team, Norton paid particular gratitude to his colleague Chris Evans for "creating this opportunity" for him after following him from BBC Radio 2. "I came in here about three-and-a-half years ago and Chris was all gung ho that I come here and look, it happened," he said.

"It's been such a privilege to sit here and share these weekends with you" ?

Graham Norton signs off from his weekend show for one last time before @AngelaScanlon sits in for the next few weeks - and make sure you listen and follow our socials for an exciting announcement ?… pic.twitter.com/1KrOYwjcgW — Virgin Radio UK (@VirginRadioUK) February 25, 2024

The presenter then added: "My final thank you has to be to you, to you for listening and sharing your lives with us. "We’ve loved hearing your messages and finding out what you’ve been up to, and what you’ve liked, what you haven’t liked, what’s made you happy, what’s made you sad over those years. "It has been such a privilege to sit here and share your weekends with you for the last three years and two months." Reflecting on his time at the station, he added: "It is a really lovely place to work here at the top of the tower. "They’ve created such a nice atmosphere and I’ve only had good times here." Making a joke about awkward goodbyes after the final song played, Norton added: "Goodbye again, see you soon … Thank you very much for your company this weekend. I hope you enjoyed the shows."

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