Did Graham Norton Just Apologize to a Major Movie Star After Awkward Encounter?

In a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show, presenter Graham Norton shared an amusing yet embarrassing encounter he had with actress Keala Settle, known for her powerful performance in The Greatest Showman. While attending the musical & Juliet, Norton failed to recognise Settle, despite having previously hosted her on his shows. This humorous anecdote highlights the sometimes awkward nature of celebrity encounters and the pressures of remembering familiar faces.

Last updated: 31 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Graham Norton shared an embarrassing story about not recognising Keala Settle.
• Settle is famed for her role in The Greatest Showman and has appeared on Norton's shows multiple times.
• The incident occurred at the musical & Juliet, where Norton was struck by a sense of familiarity.
• Settle's initial disappointment was met with graciousness during their encounter.
• Norton is set to return with a new series of his show featuring major celebrity guests.

The Encounter with Keala Settle

During a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show, the host recounted a rather cringe-worthy moment from his visit to & Juliet, a musical that has garnered significant acclaim. As he sat in the audience, he was struck by the familiarity of the woman playing the nurse, later identified as Keala Settle. In a moment of self-reflection, he recalled how he had been unable to place her, despite having had numerous interactions with her in the past.

Post-performance, when the cast came out to greet the audience, Norton approached Settle, who was beaming with joy. However, as he tried to recall where he knew her from, he realised that he was drawing a blank. The moment turned awkward as her smile faded and disappointment crept in. “How do I- I do know you, don’t I?” he asked, only to find out that he had indeed hosted her on his shows before.

Keala Settle: A Brief Background

Keala Settle, aged 49, has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry, particularly with her role as Lettie Lutz, the bearded lady in The Greatest Showman. The film was a massive hit, and her performance of the anthem "This Is Me" catapulted her to international fame. Since then, Settle has continued to shine on both Broadway and the West End, showcasing her incredible vocal talents in productions like Waitress and Sister Act.

Settle first appeared on The Graham Norton Show in 2018, where she performed "This Is Me" to an audience that was captivated by her powerful voice. Her journey since then has included notable performances on various platforms, including the UK edition of The Masked Singer and a role in the adaptation of Wicked. With such a robust career, it’s no wonder that her face should be familiar to Norton.

A Moment of Humility for Graham Norton

Norton’s admission of his blunder has been met with both laughter and empathy from fans and colleagues alike. His vulnerability in sharing this moment reflects the pressures of celebrity culture, where recognition is expected but not always guaranteed. “I had every advantage here,” he confessed, acknowledging the embarrassment of failing to remember someone he had previously hosted multiple times.

Despite the awkwardness, Settle handled the situation with grace. Norton remarked on her initial disappointment, but highlighted her graciousness in response to his oversight. It’s a reminder that even those in the spotlight experience moments of humanity and vulnerability.

The Future of The Graham Norton Show

As Norton prepares to return to his show, he has a stellar line-up of guests, including Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Matthew McConaughey. With such high-profile personalities set to join him, viewers are eager to see how he navigates potential celebrity encounters in the future. This incident serves as a light-hearted reminder that recognition can be tricky, even for seasoned presenters.

Conclusion

Graham Norton’s humorous mishap with Keala Settle serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of celebrity interactions. It highlights the importance of being gracious and how even in the entertainment industry, everyone can have an off day. As Norton continues to welcome new guests to his show, fans are left wondering if he will remember them when they meet outside of the studio.

What are your thoughts on celebrity recognition? Do you think it’s a common issue in the entertainment industry? #GrahamNorton #KealaSettle #CelebrityEncounters

FAQs

Who is Keala Settle?

Keala Settle is a singer and actress known for her powerful vocals and her role in The Greatest Showman as Lettie Lutz, the bearded lady. She has also appeared in various stage productions and television shows.

What did Graham Norton forget about Keala Settle?

Graham Norton forgot that he had previously hosted Keala Settle on his chat and radio shows, leading to an awkward moment when he failed to recognise her at the musical & Juliet.

When did Keala Settle first appear on The Graham Norton Show?

Keala Settle first appeared on The Graham Norton Show in 2018, where she performed the anthem "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman.

What is The Graham Norton Show?

The Graham Norton Show is a popular British talk show hosted by Graham Norton, featuring celebrity interviews, comedy, and performances. It airs on BBC One.

What are some of Keala Settle's notable performances?

Keala Settle has performed in various productions, including The Greatest Showman, Waitress, Sister Act, and has appeared on The Masked Singer.