Graham Norton is stepping into the world of Doctor Who for a brand-new episode that blends his iconic Eurovision commentary with sci-fi adventure.
The beloved broadcaster will appear alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor at the 803rd annual Interstellar Song Contest, a cosmic competition where planets battle for musical supremacy.
Known as the BBC’s voice of Eurovision since 2009, Norton brings his signature wit and energy to the episode—only this time, from outer space.
But this isn’t just a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo. According to showrunner Russell T Davies, Norton’s role is deeply embedded in the plot. “It’s not just a cameo,” Davies confirmed. “He has a whole plot twist all to himself!”
Norton’s character will reportedly help steer the story in an unexpected direction, playing a central role in what Davies calls “the wildest episode of all.”
His involvement adds a meta layer of fun, merging pop culture with the classic sci-fi franchise in a way only Doctor Who can.
Also joining the intergalactic festivities is Eurovision superfan and broadcaster Rylan Clark, who will co-host the fictional contest.
He was already confirmed for the episode and appears in the season trailer welcoming viewers to the dazzling event alongside co-host Sabine, portrayed by French actress Julie Dray.
The episode is set to air on BBC One right before the actual Eurovision Grand Final on 17 May, making it a perfect prelude for fans of both events.
In a statement celebrating the collaboration, Russell T Davies expressed his excitement: “There’s no song contest without the great man himself, and it was an honour to welcome Graham Norton to our studios in Cardiff. We’re lucky to have Graham adding to the mayhem.”
The unique crossover is expected to delight long-time Doctor Who viewers and Eurovision enthusiasts alike, thanks to its mix of humour, music, and otherworldly storytelling.
The upcoming season marks Ncuti Gatwa’s second run as the Doctor, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most adventurous yet. Gatwa, known for his magnetic screen presence, is also expanding his horizons off-screen.
He’s been cast to play Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe in a new stage production by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
With both his TV and theatre careers on a roll, Gatwa continues to show the versatility that made him a fan favourite in the Doctor Who universe.
