The Graham Norton Show - Series 24, Episode 19 - Sir Patrick Stewart, Ricky Gervais, Regina King, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jack Savoretti - British Comedy Guide (original) (raw)

Sir Patrick Stewart is delighted to be playing a wizard at last; Oscar nominee Regina King reveals she challenged herself at the Golden Globes; award winning actor Chiwetel Ejiofor says the new Lion King film is amazing; comedy actor Ricky Gervais jokes about venting his anger through his new character; and singer song writer Jack Savoretti performs live in the studio.

Patrick Stewart, talking about playing "A somewhat aged Merlin" in his new film, The Kid Who Would Be King, says, "At last I get to play a wizard. Michael Gambon is one and so is Ian McKellen, and have you looked at me? I look like a wizard!"

Chatting about the return of Jean-Luc Picard in a new Star Trek series, he says, "I still can't quite take it on board. I am reviving Jean-Luc and I am executive producing the series. It's amazing."

Asked if is true that they once thought of making Jean-Luc French, he says, "I did a recording with a French accent but they didn't go for it," before reciting Star Trek's famous introduction in a wonderful French accent.

Regina King, talking about her inspiring Golden Globes acceptance speech for her role in the critically acclaimed If Beale Street Could Talk, says, "You have a moment and the Golden Globes stage reaches much further than anything else, so I challenged myself and others."

Talking more about the film, and what inspired her role, she says, "My Grandmother was very nurturing, as is my mother, so I just tapped into those two beautiful women."

Asked if she is to appear in Legally Blond 3, she says, "I don't know. I was asked the same question on the red carpet the other day, and I said, 'Is there going to be a Legally Blond 3?'"

Chiwetel Ejiofor, talking about writing, directing and starring in his new film The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, says, "It was an incredible experience. The story is so full of hope and beauty. Filming Malawi was a logistical challenge, but incredible."

Asked about learning a Malawi dialect for the role, he says, "It was a decision I took early on in the process to give the audience an authentic experience. I set out to learn the whole language properly but when I got there I just knuckled down to learn the bits I needed to say."

Talking about playing Scar in the upcoming live-action version of The Lion King, and asked if he sings in the role, Chiwetel says, "I can neither confirm or deny." Pressed further for information, he says, "There's nothing really nothing I can say. You'll just have to wait for the film." Adding, "I've seen a little bit and it's amazing."

Ricky Gervais, talking about working with Patrick on Extras, says, "Our scene holds the Extras' record for the greatest number of takes. Two grown men took 45 takes - we just couldn't stop giggling. It got worse and worse, and I just couldn't do it. At one point, I thought I would just have to leave. It was ridiculous!"

Asked about his new sitcom After Life, he says, "It is dark, but funny and liberating. My character is angry and he's probably the closest to the real me. I can't get cross or say anything in public anymore because it will end up online, so I've created a character that can say everything!"

Jack Savoretti performs Candlelight live in the studio, before joining Graham for a chat about his new album and tour. Complimented on the Bond theme style of Candlelight, he says, "That wasn't the sound I was going for, but I will take the compliment!"