Graham Norton Reveals His Worst Ever Celebrity Guests

Television presenter Graham Norton has identified actor Mark Wahlberg as the worst-ever guest he has interviewed during his 30-year broadcasting career.

The designation follows reflections from the host, who made his major television debut in 1996 and has seen his eponymous chat show run for 19 years. While Norton has hosted a wide range of global stars, including Tom Cruise, Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Tom Hanks, some encounters have proven more challenging than others.

The 2013 Mark Wahlberg Incident

The specific event that led to Wahlberg’s ranking occurred during a 2013 appearance on The Graham Norton Show. According to Norton, the actor arrived at the studio appearing sober, with no initial indication of the behavior that would follow.

Approximately 15 to 20 minutes into the recording, the effects of alcohol became apparent. Norton described the experience as bad, noting that Wahlberg’s intoxication significantly disrupted the flow of the program.

During the episode, Wahlberg repeatedly interrupted fellow guests Sarah Silverman and Michael Fassbender. His behavior escalated to sitting on Norton’s lap and eventually falling asleep on the studio sofa while Fassbender was in the middle of telling a story.

The famous (worst guest) was Mark Wahlberg, I guess. He was fine when he came on the show. There was not a hint of it and then about 20 minutes into the show (alcohol) caught up with him. Oh it was bad. At one point Mark was asleep on the couch in front of the audience.

Graham Norton via The Mirror

Reflections on Intoxicated Guests

Norton elaborated on the incident during the Henley Literary Festival in October 2025. He explained that the situation was particularly unusual because of the timing of the intoxication.

The host emphasized that while intoxicated guests do occasionally appear on his show, they typically arrive in that state. In the case of the 2013 recording, the transformation occurred during the filming process once substances already in the actor’s system took effect.

Other Challenging Interviews

Beyond the incident with Wahlberg, Norton has discussed other celebrities who presented difficulties during their time on his sofa. Among these was Robert De Niro.

Norton characterized the legendary actor as a benign presence, but noted that De Niro proved to be a dreadful storyteller, making the interview process more difficult from a hosting perspective.

Career Context and Longevity

These reflections come as Norton approaches his 63rd birthday on April 4, 2026. Over three decades in the industry, the Dublin-born presenter has navigated the complexities of interviewing high-profile celebrities, ranging from those he describes as delightful to those exhibiting diva behavior.

Despite the occasional nightmare guest, Norton’s career has been marked by significant longevity and the ability to handle high-pressure encounters with a variety of personalities from across the entertainment industry.