Graham Norton has shared an emotional message with listeners after hosting his final weekend show on Virgin Radio.

The presenter confirmed his departure on Saturday, February 24, sharing that he was leaving the station as he was keen to get his “weekends back” after his life had “changed a bit” recently.

Norton has hosted radio weekend shows for 13 years as he joined Virgin Radio in 2021 following a decade on BBC Radio 2.

Now, Norton has officially signed off his last Sunday show thanking listeners for "sharing your lives" with the presenter.

Graham Norton's full final message to Virgin Radio listeners amid exit

Speaking to listeners, Norton said: "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.”

Norton went on to thank presenter Chris Evans for “creating this opportunity” for him after he followed in the footsteps of Evans by moving from Radio 2 to Virgin Radio.

“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 added.

Norton also thanked the management and his team at Virgin Radio as well as his regular contributors and celebrity guests.

Reflecting on his time at the station, he added: “It is a really lovely place to work here at the top of the tower.


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Graham Norton confirms Virgin Radio weekend show departure


“They’ve created such a nice atmosphere and I’ve only had good times here.”

Norton ended his last show with the first song he played on his Virgin Radio debut, Hung Up by singer superstar Madonna.

After the song ended, he joked that his final moments on air were like when you say goodbye to someone, and then you realise you are both walking in the same direction as he had already said his farewells.

He added: “Goodbye again, see you soon … Thank you very much for your company this weekend. I hope you enjoyed the shows.”