Rag’n’Bone Man’s Heartfelt Revelation on The Graham Norton Show Leaves UK Audiences Stunned

It’s not every day that a prime-time talk show becomes the stage for one of the most emotional moments of the year. But on a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show, broadcast on BBC One, British singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man (real name Rory Graham) left the audience and fellow guests speechless after opening up about the personal pain behind his latest music — and in particular, the tragic passing of his mother in early 2023.

Known for his gravelly vocals and raw, blues-inspired sound, Rag’n’Bone Man rose to international fame in 2017 with the breakout hit “Human.” But this time, it wasn’t his voice that left the strongest impression — it was his vulnerability. Appearing on the iconic red sofa alongside guests Miranda Hart, Selena Gomez, and Jack Lowden, Rory took the opportunity not just to promote his upcoming album What Do You, but also to share the deeply emotional journey that inspired it.

After a stripped-back live performance of his new track Pocket, which touches on themes of grief, memory, and acceptance, Graham Norton praised the lyrics, calling them “gut-wrenching yet oddly comforting.” It was then that Rory, visibly moved, revealed that the song was written as a way to explain the concept of death to his young son — following the passing of his mother, Jane.

“I was trying to figure out how to talk to children about loss,” he began. “How you sugarcoat things, saying someone’s gone to a better place — even if you don’t necessarily believe that. What I concluded is, it doesn’t matter what you believe in… it’s about keeping a little part of that person in your pocket.”

The singer paused, clearly emotional, as the audience sat in silence. Norton gently responded, “You don’t have to keep going if it’s too difficult,” but Rory insisted on finishing the story. “I felt I owed it to my mum to say it out loud. She was my biggest champion, my anchor. She kept me grounded even when the industry got chaotic.”

His words sparked a wave of empathy, with fellow guests and audience members visibly touched. Miranda Hart reached out to grasp his hand, while Selena Gomez, herself open about mental health and loss in recent years, appeared misty-eyed.

The episode struck a chord with viewers across the UK. Twitter and Instagram lit up with emotional reactions. One viewer tweeted, “I never thought I’d cry watching Graham Norton, but Rag’n’Bone Man just destroyed me in the best way.” Another wrote, “What a brave, beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing your grief with such dignity.”

This appearance marked a rare and powerful moment in mainstream television, where a celebrity chose openness over rehearsed soundbites. In a media landscape often dominated by light entertainment, this unexpected turn toward raw honesty reminded audiences of the shared human experiences that connect us all.

The performance of Pocket has since gone viral on BBC’s social platforms, with fans describing it as “a masterclass in vulnerability” and “an anthem for anyone navigating grief.” The song, accompanied by a minimalist piano arrangement, lets Rory’s lyrics shine: “I keep a little part of you in my pocket / So I’m never really walking alone.”

Norton, known for balancing humour with heart, handled the moment with his usual grace. In a follow-up comment to the BBC, he said: “That’s what this show is about — making space for people to be real. Sometimes that’s laughter, sometimes it’s tears.”

Rag’n’Bone Man’s new album is expected later this year, and if Pocket is any indication, it will be his most personal and resonant work yet. Reflecting on his growth as an artist, Rory told Norton: “This album isn’t about fame or success. It’s about life — how beautiful and brutal it can be.”

For fans, the moment served as a powerful reminder: even the strongest voices carry the weight of pain. And sometimes, the bravest thing one can do is speak that pain out loud.

Source:
Original story reported by The Sun (Irish Edition) and BBC One broadcast of The Graham Norton Show, April 2025 episode featuring Rag’n’Bone Man.