Graham Norton takes cheeky swipe at Donald Trump minutes into show

Graham Norton kicked off his 2025 New Year’s Eve special on BBC One with his signature sharp humor, and no one was safe not even former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Irish chat show host wasted no time revisiting Trump and Melania Trump’s UK visit to meet the Royal Family. A photo of Melania in a wide-brimmed purple hat immediately caught Graham’s attention, prompting him to joke that she looked “like a lamp.” He added, with his trademark wit, that the hat might have been worn to stop her husband from leaning in for a kiss, setting the tone for a night filled with biting humor.

Graham didn’t hold back. “He was hosted by the King and Queen, who were more than happy to be seen with him, although Melania… less pleased,” he quipped. As the camera lingered on her oversized hat, he mimicked her accent, saying: “I’m just a lamp. Just ignore me. Just ignore me.” Taking the joke a step further, he joked about the hat’s “security benefits,” showing footage of Trump attempting to kiss Melania’s cheek only to be blocked by the wide brim.

The roast came just minutes into the BAFTA-winning special, which aired pre-recorded at 10:30 PM on December 31. The show featured an impressive lineup of stars, including Tom Hiddleston, Laura Dern, Will Arnett, Carey Mulligan, Owen Cooper, and Tim Key, with Alison Limerick performing her dance classic Where Love Lives.

This New Year’s Eve edition was part of a long-running tradition for the BBC, and the show continues to be a major hit. Averaging 2.9 million viewers per episode, it dominates both TV ratings and social media engagement, including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Graham Norton has been recommissioned for three more series, keeping the show on air through 2026. Speaking about the renewal, he called hosting “a pleasure” and “a privilege,” hinting that fans can expect even more global stars joining him in the years ahead.

With its mix of Hollywood A-listers, British comedy favourites, and sharp political commentary, Graham Norton’s New Year’s Eve special once again delivered laughs, celebrity moments, and memorable jabs at public figures including one unforgettable moment aimed squarely at Donald Trump.