Graham Norton may be heaving a sigh of relief that Jonathan Ross's ITV chat show finished on Saturday, alleviating competition for guests. Tonight the Telegraph agony uncle's line-up features a strong British contingent: actress Joanna Lumley, whose Greek Odyssey is currently on ITV1, Scottish actor James McAvoy (Atonement), who voices the forthcoming animated movie Arthur Christmas; professional Scouser John Bishop, who brings the jokes; and music from Sheffield combo Arctic Monkeys.

Poor Kate Winslet, she always gets a right going-over for being a bit wiffly and weepy when she accepts awards. But give the girl a break, what's she supposed to do, say "Sod the lot of you, now where's the after-show party?"

Besides, doesn't everyone like seeing actors get a bit theatrically overwrought at these kinds of ceremonies? Anyway, Kate is a game girl so she probably won't mind if Graham Norton has some sport poking fun at her tonight when his fantastic chat show returns after its break.

Winslet will be on the couch talking about her new film Contagion, and she'll be sharing the spotlight with young Jamie Bell, who's come a long, long way from Billy Elliot to star as Tintin in Steven Spielberg's film of Herge's beloved boy adventurer. Rob Brydon also guests, while Noah and the Whale provide the music.

Oscar-winner Kate Winslet heads up the guest list, as anarchic comedian Graham Norton returns with a new series of his bawdy chat show. Fresh from rescuing Richard Branson's mum from a burning Caribbean island, Winslet is now saving the world from a killer virus in new film Contagion. She's joined by affable comedian Rob Brydon and Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell, picked to voice Tintin in Steven Spielberg's new movie. Music comes from indie folk band Noah and the Whale.

Rob Brydon and Jamie Bell join Graham on the sofa. And Kate Winslet takes the star spot to talk about new film Contagion and presumably the gossip that she's said to be dating a man who changed his surname to Rocknroll. Graham always brings out the best in his celebs with gentle teasing and wine. And the big red ejector seat is back for game audience members to spin their best anecdotes before Graham launches them into the scenery.

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TV Times magazine asks Graham Norton about what currently excites, elates and annoys him on TV as he returns to BBC1 next Friday with The Graham Norton Show...

Now in direct competition with Alan Carr: Chatty Man over on Channel 4! It's battle of the catty chat shows! Who will win the ratings? Who will come up with the daftest games and most excruciating audience participation? Who willbe most baffling to visiting Hollywood stars? It's all good fun. This week's guests are Ewan McGregor, who's got a new film out called Beginners, Chris O'Dowd, who's got a new film out called Bridesmaids, and a rapper who goes by the name of Example.

On our letters page recently an RT reader quite rightly praised Bafta-winning Norton as "a breath of fresh air" on Friday nights. Norton is a great host and the show has become a joyful way to round off the week. He's warm and inclusive, and a smashing interviewer who doesn't fawn (though he teetered close to the edge of unctuousness with Lady Gaga a few weeks back). So enjoy the feeling of being at a pleasant gathering with a thoughtful host. Tonight's guests are Kim Cattrall, glowing with her London stage success in Private Lives and soon to star in it on Broadway, and British Soap Awards winner Jessie Wallace. The Saturdays provide the music.

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Old friends Liza Minnelli and Graham Norton have a lot of catching up to do.

She's been on his show numerous times before but the last time was on V Graham Norton way back in 2003 when she came with her then husband David Gest. A lot of water has passed under that particular bridge since then...

With a new CD to promote, Liza kicks off a tour at the Royal Albert Hall at the end of this month, with dates in Europe and Las Vegas - and she'll be singing tonight.

Joining her on the sofa is Shameless actor turned Hollywood star James McAvoy, who'll have all the goss from the new X Men movie in which he plays the young Professor X, and Lead Balloon star Jack Dee completes the line up.

When Jack Dee is only the third most interesting person on the bill, you know you're in for a good show.

Now this could be fun, because tonight a trio of really disparate guests make themselves comfy on the sofa: Jack Dee, James McAvoy and drum roll Liza Minnelli! We know how much Norton loves a gay icon, judging by his glee at recent appearances by Bette Midler and Lady Gaga, but surely Minnelli beats them all. She talks about her life and career, of course, and also sings live. It will be delicious to see what she makes of Jack Dee, promoting a new series of his doleful sitcom Lead Balloon, in that often uncomfortable juxtaposition of a megastar and a cheeky British comedian they've never heard of (remember Maggie Gyllenhaal's bewilderment when faced with Russell Howard?). Bona fide Hollywood action man McAvoy (hasn't he come a long way since Shameless?) will discuss his role in the latest X Men movie, X Men First Class.