Graham Norton pays moving tribute to Manchester attack victims in opening monologue of chat show
The Irish presenter broke from comedic trend to deliver the emotional message
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Graham Norton broke from comedic trend to deliver a moving tribute to the victims of the Manchester terror attack at the start of the latest episode of his BBC chat show.
The Irish presenter dedicated his opening monologue to those who were killed in the suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night (22 May).
“Normally at the start of the show we take a look at some of the funny things that have been going on in the world," he began, continuing: "Sometimes the world isn’t a very funny place, especially after the terrible event in Manchester. So tonight all we are going to do is bring you a bit of distraction."
He added: “We’ll do some jokes, chat about films and books, listen to music, tell some silly stories and flip some people on a big red chair, and we hope it brings a smile.
“We record this show in London. I live in London. But we are watched not only the length and breadth of Britain, but also around the world too, and that gives me the chance to say, Manchester, we are all standing with you.”
Following the explosion which claimed the lives of children, the entertainment world paid touching tribute with many musicians cancelling their concerts in respect to the victims and their families.
Take That, who were due to play the Arena the following night, donated all proceeds from the concert to the emergency fund set up in the wake of the tragedy.
In a fresh public statement, Grande has vowed to return to the city to perform a charity gig.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments