He said: “Yes, that is my name. Thank you very much to Amy for the last few hours.
“So this is it. New station, new year, new show. Sadly, same old me, as the jingle indicated.
“I am Graham Norton and I am here for the next three hours or so and tomorrow as well – fair warning.
“So what have we got? We have got some rambling chat, a couple of guests and of course some great music. Let’s kick off with the original virgin.”
He was joined by long-standing presenting partner Maria McErlane, who is known for co-hosting the Grill Graham agony aunt segment on Radio 2.