It’s easy to dislike Graham Norton. He’s bloody everywhere and squealing in your face. However, when he’s on form and relaxed in familiar settings, it’s hard not to laugh along… which is why I’m so happy that The Graham Norton Show (BBC Two, Thursday, 10pm) is such a success. When Norton is in the weekly chat show mode, and more importantly, allowed free reign, he’s hard to beat in the entertainment stakes. High camp and puerile giggling abounds, allowing the guests to have as much fun as the audience (if not more as they’re plied with booze).

Last night, we saw Alan Carr and Glenn Close taking their places on the sofa and slowly losing the plot (again, with a little help from the wine). Instead of professional chatter, we were treated to the host and guests kicking their shoes from one side of the studio to the other toward a golf pin in an attempt to see who could get closest (Close won if you’re interested). It wasn’t in any way revealing or hard-hitting… but good fun.

In fact, that’s pretty much the mandate of the show. Instead of finding out what troubles the stars on his couch… or what their motivation is for [insert dull fact here], Norton allows them to show the public what they’re really like… and on the strength of last night’s show, Glenn Close would be an excellent drinking buddy. Anecdotes and crude jokes fill the air, leaving Norton snickering along and the crowd baying and cajoling them to go further. It’s the kind of show that sees tears streaming down stiff upper lips… and if that isn’t worth your entrance fee alone, I don’t know what is.

Norton has also gone back to a previous fave… the prank call. Last night, he called the accident helpline group, wanting to make a claim. His trouble? “Hollywood actress Glenn Close has hurt my feelings…” The nonplussed call centre worker flatly stated “We’ve directed your number to the police…” to which Graham shrugged and pipped “bye-bye”. Glenn Close nearly fell off the sofa in amazement with a face that said ‘you can’t do that on a TV show can you?’

That is pretty much the reason to watch this show. Norton, mischievous and excitable, plays pranks, says incredibly rude words that begin with ‘C’ and generally horses around, leaving the editing suite to do the hard work of turning it into a show, leaving the guests breathless and laughing themselves daft. It’s nice to have you back Graham…