Graham Norton defends 'brilliant BBC'

Graham Norton has defended the BBC, describing its diverse broadcasting as "brilliant".

The comic and TV presenter also criticised "a vociferous minority" who attempt to dictate what shows the broadcaster should produce.

"I think what's brilliant about the BBC is that it serves so many needs and so many audiences," he told DS. "If they're bullied into just catering for one section of the population, that's a really bad thing.

"A lot of people who watch television and really enjoy television don't have a voice, but sadly there's also a vociferous minority who are trying to dictate what people should watch and I think that's bad."

Speaking about his chatshow's move to BBC One, he said: "Little Britain has been played on BBC One and the world didn't end, so I think as long as I don't s**t myself, we'll be fine.

"It's like a pat on the back. But in real terms, we were making a TV show that was available on televisions in every home and we're still doing that. It's not like it was in black and white and now it's in colour. It's the same show. But I'm not an idiot and I am aware that it's seen as a promotion. So, we've accepted the compliment and we're getting on with it."

The Graham Norton Show airs tonight at 10:35pm on BBC One.