Madonna special announced for BBC One and Radio 2
A world-exclusive interview special featuring Madonna and Graham Norton will be broadcast on BBC One on Friday 26 June at 10.40pm, with a radio version airing on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 4 July from 6pm to 8pm. Both programmes will also be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds for 30 days after transmission.
The special, titled Madonna & Graham, was recorded at Koko in Camden, London, a venue with a unique connection to the pop superstar. The iconic music venue hosted Madonna’s first UK performance in 1983 and later served as the launch location for her 2005 album Confessions on a Dance Floor.
The programme sees Norton sit down with Madonna for an extensive conversation covering key moments from her life and career. Ahead of the release of her forthcoming album Confessions II in July, the singer reflects on her early years in New York, her long-standing relationship with the UK, and her recent performance at Coachella.
Viewers will also get an insight into the making of Madonna’s new album through contributions from special guests, including long-time collaborator Stuart Price. Together, they discuss the inspirations, stories and creative process behind the record.
Graham says: “As a lifelong fan it is always a thrill to interview Madonna, but to meet her on the dance floor where she first performed in London over thirty years ago felt incredibly special. She remains a legendary pop icon who is still doing what she does best – getting people up to dance!”
Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Popular Music TV says: “Some commissioning decisions take a while to ponder, and some are a no-brainer. The opportunity for us to look in on an in-depth conversation between Madonna and Graham is definitely the latter. Madonna is such an inimitable artist and Graham a master of the art of chat. We are delighted to be working alongside So Television to bring this world exclusive interview to audiences on BBC One.”
Madonna remains one of the most successful recording artists of all time, having achieved 13 UK number-one singles and 12 UK number-one albums. Since releasing her debut single Everybody in 1982, she has won seven Grammy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. Her influence extends beyond music, with a career that has helped shape popular culture and fashion across several decades.
The programme is produced by So Television, with Andy Rowe serving as producer and Graham Stuart and Jon Magnusson as executive producers. It was commissioned by Jonathan Rothery, Head of Popular Music TV at the BBC, while Rachel Davies serves as Commissioning Editor for BBC Popular Music TV.
Madonna & Graham joins a growing collection of BBC music interview specials, following programmes including Cher Meets Rylan, Idris Elba Meets Paul McCartney, Elton John: Uncensored, Billie Eilish: Up Close, Michael Bublé at the BBC, Sam Smith at the BBC and Adele at the BBC.
