BBC defends Norton's new show

The BBC defended Graham Norton's new topical chat show today after its debut attracted less viewers than repeats of other programmes screened in the same time slot

The Bigger Picture, on BBC1, is the first show made by comic Norton's production company since being poached by the corporation for £3.5 million.

Norton was joined by One Foot in the Grave actor Richard Wilson, comedienne Jo Brand and Sun columnist Jane Moore.

The Bigger Picture, which has a six-week run and combines monologue, chat and sketches, was watched by 2.4 million, and had an audience share of 15% at its start at 10.35pm.

But more viewers (2.7 million) watched a repeat of Jack Dee Live at the Apollo last week on BBC1, and a rerun of One Foot in the Grave on the previous week (3.1 million).

A spokeswoman for the show said the figures were a "promising start", adding that audiences would become familiar with the format as the show continued.

Norton found success as a stand-up comedian before hosting a gameshow on channel Five.

He was poached by Channel 4 and achieved acclaim for Bafta-award winning So Graham Norton.

After Norton signed a £3.5m deal with the BBC in 2003, he disappeared from UK TV screens, but he has since presented Strictly Dance Fever for the BBC.

He recently said of The Bigger Picture: "I want this show to be the bridge between an old persona and a newer, slightly more mature persona.

"I'm 42, I can't run up and down stairs in a shiny suit any more. I'm going to need a Stannah chairlift."