BBC presenter Graham Norton launched his New Year's Eve special with a characteristically witty and biting review of the past year, swiftly turning his attention to one of 2025's most talked-about diplomatic events.
A Festive Opening with a Political Edge
Within mere moments of The Graham Norton New Year's Eve Show beginning on BBC One and iPlayer, the host zeroed in on former US President Donald Trump's official visit to the United Kingdom. The 62-year-old Irish comedian, reviewing the highs and lows of 2025, displayed a photograph of Melania Trump wearing a striking, wide-brimmed purple hat.
With his trademark cheeky grin, Norton quipped that the former First Lady resembled "a lamp". He suggested the bold accessory's wide brim might have had a practical purpose: to physically prevent her husband from leaning in for an unexpected kiss.
The Jokes Keep Coming
Norton didn't stop there. He informed the studio audience and viewers at home that "He was welcomed by the King and Queen, who were clearly happy to be photographed with him - Melania, not so much." As the camera returned to the now-infamous hat, Norton continued the bit, adopting a mock accent to plead, "I'm just a lamp. Please ignore me, I'm just a lamp."
The comedian then pushed the joke further, offering a faux-serious explanation. "Actually there is a security reason why Melania always wears a hat," he deadpanned. "A nice wide brim can literally save her from a fate worse than death." His commentary was punctuated by a clip showing Mr Trump attempting to kiss his wife's cheek, only to be blocked by the hat's substantial brim.
A Star-Studded Review of the Year
This sharp-tongued opening set the tone for the festive, pre-recorded edition of the BAFTA-winning chat show. Norton was joined on the famous red sofa by a lineup of Hollywood and British talent to reflect on 2025.
Guests included Tom Hiddleston, Laura Dern, Will Arnett, Owen Cooper, Carey Mulligan, and comedian Tim Key. The evening's entertainment was provided by singer Alison Limerick, who performed her dance classic Where Love Lives.
The show remains a significant success for the BBC. Earlier in 2025, the broadcaster renewed Norton's programme for three more series, noting it averages 2.9 million viewers per episode and performs strongly on social platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Norton, who hails from Dublin, has said hosting the show remains a "pleasure" and a "privilege," with the team already planning to welcome more international stars in the future.
