Beloved Irish television host Graham Norton is set to bring a dose of glitter, glamour and good-humoured chaos to Doctor Who, as he appears in a brand-new Eurovision-inspired episode of the long-running sci-fi series.
The episode, titled “The Interstellar Song Contest”, will air as the sixth instalment of the upcoming second season featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor. The episode is due to broadcast on Saturday 17th May, perfectly coinciding with the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest final, which this year takes place in Switzerland.
At 62, Norton remains a cherished figure in British television, best known for hosting The Graham Norton Show on BBC One and providing his iconic, quick-witted Eurovision commentary. His inclusion in Doctor Who has been hailed by fans as a match made in cosmic camp heaven.
He’s not alone in the galactic spotlight — joining him in this musical romp across the stars is Radio 2 presenter Rylan Clark, another familiar face from Eurovision coverage. Clark will play the co-host of the Interstellar Song Contest, joining forces with Norton in what promises to be one of the most eccentric and energetic episodes of the series to date.
Not just a cameo – A plot twist of his own
Showrunner Russell T Davies, who returned to helm Doctor Who last year, has confirmed that Norton’s role is no mere fleeting appearance.
“There’s no song contest without the great man himself,” Davies said. “It was an honour to welcome Graham Norton to our studios in Cardiff. And it’s not just a cameo – he has a whole plot twist all to himself. This is the wildest episode of all, and we’re lucky to have Graham adding to the mayhem.”
Given Norton’s flair for the dramatic and his natural comedic timing, fans are already speculating that his performance may become one of the series’ most memorable guest appearances. Davies, known for fusing sci-fi with social satire and campy humour, appears to be leaning fully into Eurovision’s extravagant energy.
From priest to presenter to plot twister
Though most famous for his talk show and Eurovision appearances, Norton is no stranger to acting. He famously played the energetic priest Father Noel Furlong in the classic Channel 4 comedy Father Ted. He also appeared as himself in the Netflix comedy film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga and Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, blending his real-life persona with fictional fun.
His versatility on-screen, paired with his international popularity, makes him an ideal guest for a show that thrives on surprise and reinvention.
The doctor returns with new and familiar faces
The return of Doctor Who sees Ncuti Gatwa, famed for his role in Sex Education, stepping fully into his second season as the Doctor. Gatwa made a dazzling debut last year and continues to bring a bold, energetic interpretation to the Time Lord.
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Joining him on his intergalactic journeys are Millie Gibson, reprising her role as Ruby Sunday, and newcomer Varada Sethu, known for her role in Andor. The cast is further bolstered by an impressive lineup of guest stars including Rose Ayling-Ellis (formerly of EastEnders), Christopher Chung and Freddie Fox (both from Slow Horses), and Alan Cumming, who lends his voice to a character called Mr Ring-a-Ding, described as a “runaway cartoon”.
With an eclectic mix of characters, stories and guest stars, the upcoming series of Doctor Who looks set to offer something for every fan – whether they’re tuning in for the sci-fi thrills, the heartfelt storytelling, or, in this case, the interstellar song-and-dance.
The countdown is on. Eurovision meets the TARDIS on 17th May, and if Russell T Davies is to be believed, this is one contest viewers won’t want to miss.
