Graham Norton's producer reveals how actors are seated based on 'emotional chemistry' and other bizarre reasons

We know that a lot of entertainment in Hollywood is planned and arranged based on certain factors, be it a reality show or even a shot in a movie. But did you know that even the seating arrangement at the Graham Norton Show is decided based on a particular factor? Richard Osman and Marina Hyde revealed in their podcast @restisentertainment that the order of seating for celebrities and personalities is fixed based on “emotional chemistry.” The clip shared suggested that the arrangement is not hierarchical but based on the rapport between co-actors or guests to take the show to its prime. 

Osman, who has been a guest on the show himself, spoke with the producer, Graham Stuart, according to LADBible. He revealed that sitting on that show is not just walking in and picking a slot, no. It’s hard work for publicists to finalize who will acquire the first seat. The man noted that everyone aims for the main seat, the one right next to the host. However, the immediate next factor is chemistry. Quoting Stuart, Osman added, “After that, we aim to rearrange the order to maximize chemistry.” So, it’s not often that both protagonists might take the first two seats, and now we know why. 

Stuart noted that while the first seat is the prime, the last seat is most interesting. Because it is farthest from the host, it is usually allotted to a person who is “funny” or an “artist.” This space is set aside for someone who can fit into the conversation with their communication, despite being distant from the crowd, to keep the flow of the show. Summarizing the whole idea, the producer noted, “Welcome to showbusiness, where all stars are equal, but some are more equal than others.” The recent guests at the show included upcoming “Send Help” stars, Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Rachel McAdams, John Bishop, and Jesse Ware, in that order, as seen in a post. 

When it comes to seating celebrities, even at award shows like the Oscars or SAG Awards, it's no easy work; it involves meticulous planning and research. SAG Awards coordinating producer Jen Coyne-Hoerle revealed to TUDUM that creating the perfect plan is like “a living, breathing puzzle.” Apart from fame, relationships, and other preferences, planners also have to keep in mind other factors like avoiding any tension between personalities, making camera angles easy to find winners or key guests, and so on, as reported by Cosmopolitan. Evan Nierman, CEO of global PR firm Red Banyan, noted, “The seating at awards shows is as scripted as the movies and shows that landed the stars there in the first place," according to Newsweek. 

Career coach, host, and creator, Laura Yarbrough, shared a post on LinkedIn highlighting how to prioritize seating when such important personalities are involved. “When you’re seating A-list guests, it’s not just hospitality, it’s choreography,” she wrote, adding that a single wrong placement can become headlines the next day — and in a way you wouldn't like. She shared six tips used for this. The first was to treat the seating plan as “part strategy, part art, part politics, part security.” Next was to think not just about who is seated where, but also who will see who. “Think about sightlines, photo angles, sponsor visibility, and brand alignment,” Yarbrough said. 

The expert who handles VIP and luxury events suggested the third tip — to work with the celebrity’s PR to understand “rivalries (yes, they exist on the down low!), alliances, sensitivities,” so avoid any unwanted tiffs. This points back to chemistry. She next noted, “Balance comfort with optics.” While not all seated at the table need to be close, they should have a good time and be able to connect. The last two tips are the case for most plans involving VIPs: a backup plan and discretion. For many viewers, it started to make sense why some of their favorites aren’t often in the center. @misni_p said, “Now I see the pattern. It makes perfect sense.” @erthica added, “Miriam Margolyes is not a 2 or 3 if we're being honest. But it is always perfectly placed for the cameras.” 

More on Scoop Upworthy

Catherine O’Hara once revealed what Macaulay Culkin calls her, and it would make a grown man cry

Model’s six-second trick makes audience kinder towards her and exposes a harsh truth about humanity

Jodie Foster says asking for a cappuccino led to a cathartic revelation that made her quit Hollywood