Madonna joins Graham Norton for a world exclusive special on the BBC

Later this month, Graham Norton welcomes the incomparable Madonna in a world exclusive special for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Recorded at the legendary Koko in Camden, London – the stage that hosted Madonna’s first-ever UK show in 1983 as well as the launch of her landmark 2005 album, Confessions on a Dance Floor - the programme sees Graham meet with Madonna for an intimate, in-depth discussion about her incredible life and celebrated career. Ahead of the release of her much-anticipated new album Confessions II in July, this rare interview promises to be an unmissable television event.

Madonna & Graham will be broadcast on BBC One on Friday 26 June at 10.40pm and on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 4 July, 6-8pm. Both programmes will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds for 30 days after transmission.

During the interview, Madonna looks back on her early days in New York, reflects on her enduring relationship with the UK, discusses her most recent performance at Coachella, and much more. The programme also features special guests, including an appearance from Madonna’s long-time collaborator Stuart Price. Together, they take Graham inside the world of Madonna’s new album, revealing the stories, inspirations, and creative process behind it.

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.”

The holder of 13 UK Number 1 singles and 12 UK Number 1 albums, Madonna is one of the best-selling artists in history. Since her debut single Everybody in 1982, she has amassed seven Grammy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. She has not only help define the sound of global pop music but has continually transformed the worlds of fashion and culture through her fearless artistry.

Madonna & Graham is a So Television production, produced by Andy Rowe with Executive Producers Graham Stuart and Jon Magnusson. The programme was commissioned by Jonathan Rothery, Head of Popular Music TV, BBC. The Commissioning Editor for BBC Popular Music TV is Rachel Davies.

This world exclusive special follows in the footsteps of Cher Meets Rylan, Idris Elba Meets Paul McCartney, Elton John: Uncensored, which was presented by Graham Norton, Billie Eilish: Up Close, presented by Clara Amfo, Michael Bublé at the BBC, which was presented by Claudia Winkleman, Sam Smith at the BBC, which was hosted by Fearne Cotton and Adele at the BBC, which was fronted by Graham Norton.

BBC Pop Music TV highlights over the past months have included: TV and iPlayer highlights from Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland; BBC One’s broadcast of the MOBO Awards, BBC iPlayer’s broadcast of Radio 2’s Piano Room Month, including performances from Pulp, Melanie C, Macy Gray, Mumford and Sons, Labi Siffre, Laufey and Tori Amos; Reel Stories: Rick Astley; BBC Two’s broadcast of Madness: Radio 2 in Concert; Girlbands Forever and much more. Series 68 of Later… with Jools Holland continues this Sunday on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer at 10pm and performing across this current series is Angine de Poitrine, Ashley McBryde, Ellie Goulding, Holly Humberstone, Jack Antonoff, Jessie Ware, Mandy, Indiana, Niall Horan, Squeeze and many more.

• Watch on BBC iPlayer

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