Graham Norton, 62, delivers unexpected Margaret Thatcher dig amid BBC Eurovision controversy

Graham Norton on Eurovision audience's 'mix reception' to Israel
BBC
Eliana Silver

By Eliana Silver


Published: 18/05/2025

- 11:56

The Irish broadcaster's 'teenage Maggie Thatcher' comparison left viewers in stitches

Graham Norton has delivered a "brutal" Margaret Thatcher dig at Ukraine's Eurovision 2025 act during Saturday night's final.

The Irish TV presenter was on commentary duties for the BBC for the 16th consecutive year, having taken over from the late Terry Wogan in 2009.


Fans were delighted with his presence during the BBC's "Super Saturday", which also saw him make a cameo appearance as a hologram in the latest episode of Doctor Who before taking his place in the commentary booth.

One act who faced the brunt of Norton's critiques was Ukraine's Ziferblat.

Ziferblat

As the trio prepared to perform their song "Bird of Pray", Norton made a hilarious comparison between their outfits and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

GETTY

As the trio prepared to perform their song "Bird of Pray", Norton made a hilarious comparison between their outfits and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

"I'm not trying to imagine what Thatcher would look like at the prom but here's Ukraine's entry," he quipped.

The comment came during the pre-performance segment when Norton was providing insight into the contestants as videos played of them visiting Swiss tourist attractions.

His "teenage Maggie Thatcher" comparison left viewers in stitches, with many rushing to social media to share their amusement at the broadcaster's candid assessment.

Viewers quickly took to X to react to Norton's commentary.

One fan wrote: "Teenage Maggie Thatcher for Ukraine. Bravo Graham Norton. @bbceurovision #Eurovision."

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Ziferblat

Ziferblat, made up of Daniel Leshchynskyi, Valentyn Leshchynskyi and Fedir Khodakov, represented Ukraine at this year's Eurovision with their song "Bird of Pray"

GETTY


Another user added: "GRAHAM DID NOT JUST SAY DANYA LOOKS LIKE A TEENAGE MARGARET THATCHER" while a third commented "teenage maggie thatcher' Graham that was FOUL."

A fourth person remarked: "Teenage Maggie thatcher. Graham is brutal tonight #Eurovision."

A fifth seemed to appreciate both the outfits and Norton's humour: "Ukraine these outfits are so silly, I'm in love! Graham isn't serious, teenage maggie thatcher."

Ziferblat, made up of Daniel Leshchynskyi, Valentyn Leshchynskyi and Fedir Khodakov, represented Ukraine at this year's Eurovision with their song "Bird of Pray".

The trio previously found fame on X-Factor Ukraine, where they were mentored by former Eurovision contestant Verka Serduchka.

Norton's quip about their distinctive outfits came as the presenter was facing backlash due to his remarks about Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Yuval Raphael

Raphael was one of just 11 survivors from a group of around 50 people who took refuge in a concrete bomb shelter during the 2023 attack, hiding under dead bodies for eight hours until rescue

GETTY

The 24-year-old performer was one of just 11 survivors from a group of around 50 people who took refuge in a concrete bomb shelter during the 2023 attack, hiding under dead bodies for eight hours until rescue.

Critics have called for Israel to be barred from the event, drawing comparisons to Russia's suspension following its invasion of Ukraine.

Norton addressed the controversy when introducing Raphael during the BBC's broadcast on Saturday night, telling viewers: "Onto song number four and it's the turn of Israel.

"Now, of course, their participation continues to be controversial. Fewer protests this year, but a mixed response during some of the rehearsals. They're here tonight because of the public vote.

"Representing them this year is Yuval Raphael. She's 24 and she earned her spot here by winning Israel's biggest talent show, Rising Star.

"She only began singing professionally in 2023, and you can see why; she has an extraordinary voice, and it's a big, powerful ballad. Also, very nicely staged."

However, while Norton was complimentary about Raphael's ability on the stage, Eurovision fans criticised his omission of her ordeal on October 7 and how it inspired her song choice.