Graham Norton and Have I Got News For You WILL return next month as BBC announce new lineup during COVID-19 lockdown
The Graham Norton Show will be returning to screens next month amid the coronavirus pandemic.
BBC confirmed on Tuesday the presenter will continue to chat with celebrity guests through a brand new format, as the network announced their new lineup to entertain viewers during the nationwide lockdown.
Alongside Graham’s chat show, Have I Got News For You is also set to return with a brand new series along with news satire series The Mash Report.
Big changes: The Graham Norton Show will be returning to screens next month with a brand new format despite the coronavirus pandemic
Graham’s chat show will be filmed live from his home when it returns in the coming weeks, with the star chatting to celebrities live via. video link.
Have I Got News For You will also be returning to screens starring Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, though it has been reported that the show will be filmed without a live audience.
BBC have also announced that they will fill Saturday nights with reruns of beloved comedies Gavin and Stacey and Outnumbered, and the schedule will also include The Kemps, and Rylan Clark-Neal’s You Are What You Wear.
Exciting: BBC confirmed that veteran series Have I Got News For You? will also be back on screens next month as they announced their lineup during the nationwide lockdown
Director-General Tony Hall said: ‘The BBC is determined to do all it can to raise a smile and keep the country entertained during these testing times.
‘We have lots of great shows already recorded, but we have also found ways to keep many other shows going so that the familiar faces people love will still be in their living rooms in the weeks and months ahead.
‘I think that is incredibly important. The BBC will also deliver a range of virtual events to replace some of those that have now had to be cancelled.
‘We can all still have a Eurovision moment, even if it is different from the past. Our pledge is offer the best escapism, fun and distraction we can, alongside the news and information everyone needs.’
As part of the lineup, Eurovision fans will also get to enjoy a special of some of the Song Contest’s finest moments hosted by Graham in May, to replace the live final which was sadly cancelled.
BBC also confirmed that new dramas set to air will include the long-awaited third series of Killing Eve, as well as Normal People, The Luminaries and Between The Lines.
Plans: Graham will still be chatting to celebrity guests with the brand new format, with viewers able to get involved through the famous red chair
It comes as numerous series have been forced to halt filming due to the virus outbreak, including veteran BBC soap EastEnders, due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Coronavirus was classed a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) earlier this month, leading countries such as Italy, Spain and China to implement nationwide lockdowns.
Sporting events, music festival and other social gatherings have been either cancelled or postponed due to the crisis.
Drama: It comes as a wave of BBC shows have been forced to halt filming due to the coronavirus pandemic, including veteran soap EastEnders