Hollywood stars discuss their latest projects and personal journeys on BBC One
Category: Arts & Culture
On October 2, 2026, the latest episode of *The Graham Norton Show* featured a star-studded lineup, including Hollywood icons Sylvester Stallone and Catherine Zeta-Jones, British actor Andrew Garfield, and the rock band Blossoms. The show, aired on BBC One, captivated audiences with personal anecdotes and insights into their current projects.
Sylvester Stallone, promoting his new memoir *The Steps*, shared his unique experiences in the film industry, particularly his iconic roles as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo. He recounted, “A performer’s journey is always different and original, and I wanted to pass on the experience of what I went through. That’s why I wanted to put it on the page. As actors, we all crave expressing ourselves.” Stallone revealed that his determination to play Rocky led him to insist on starring in the film he wrote, stating, “I wrote the screenplay and I only had one condition – that I play the lead. Everyone wanted it, but they didn’t want me – they said, ‘Over our dead bodies,’ which I understood because I wasn’t a leading man.”
The actor also recounted the challenging production of *Rambo*, saying, “When we first saw it in the edit my agent threw up. That’s how horrible it was. I think I was the eleventh actor to be offered the part – no one wanted to play it because it wasn’t very politically correct.” His efforts to salvage the film included cutting its runtime from over three hours to just 89 minutes, remarking, “What I cut out was mostly me!”
Meanwhile, Catherine Zeta-Jones discussed her role in the Amazon Prime Video series *Kill Jackie*, where she portrays a wealthy art dealer targeted by a group of hitmen. Zeta-Jones described the role as a "gift," especially at 57, expressing enthusiasm for returning to her roots in Swansea: “Going home was just so incredibly wonderful. It was very fulfilling and to be able to use my own Welsh voice for the very first time in a film was wonderful.” She added, “It is a gift of a part. The show is crazy and high-octane and she is really crazy. It is one of those parts, and at 57, the kind of role that is very satisfying to say the least.”
In a reflective moment, Zeta-Jones also spoke about her early career and the impact of her breakout role in *The Darling Buds of May*, which aired from 1991 to 1993. She stated, “That one hour of television changed my life. I became a celebrity overnight and people sort of forgot I was an actor.” This sudden fame, she noted, came with its own challenges, as she became a tabloid fixture due to her high-profile relationships.
*The Darling Buds of May*, based on H. E. Bates' book series, was a major success in the UK, turning Zeta-Jones into a household name. After the series concluded, she made a successful transition to Hollywood, where she faced the humbling experience of being relatively unknown. This shift was necessary, as she explained, “When I went to LA literally nobody knew me, which was a huge ego jolt at first but then extremely humbling, and,ultimately, very good for me to start afresh.” Her subsequent marriage to Hollywood star Michael Douglas in November 2000 and raising their two children, Dylan and Carys, have also shaped her personal narrative.
On the show, Andrew Garfield also shared insights about his upcoming project, the Paul Greengrass film *The Uprising*. He described the film as a “big sweeping story with epic feelings at the centre of it,” and noted that it serves as a political reflection of contemporary societal divisions: “It feels like a political reflection for the disparate and divided times we are in and a cry of the soul. I am very excited to share it with people.”
In addition to the interviews, the band Blossoms performed their song *Husband* live in the studio, adding a musical touch to the evening's entertainment. The combination of personal stories, professional insights, and live performances made for a captivating episode of *The Graham Norton Show*.
The episode aired on BBC One at 10:40 PM and is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. Looking ahead, the next episode of *The Graham Norton Show* is set to air on October 8, featuring guests Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, John Malkovich, and Orville Peck. With such a diverse lineup, viewers can expect another evening filled with engaging conversations and entertainment.
Catherine Zeta-Jones expressed her desire to continue her role in *Kill Jackie*, stating, “I’d love to do more – I am not done with her yet.” Her enthusiasm suggests that there may be more to come from her character, potentially exciting fans of the series.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the stories shared by Stallone, Zeta-Jones, and Garfield offer a glimpse into the personal and professional journeys of these stars. Their reflections highlight the challenges and triumphs faced by actors in a competitive and ever-changing environment, underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptability in their craft.