Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 11, 2024 5:35 am GMT
Richard Ayoade and Laurence Fox, two prominent figures in British entertainment, share a surprisingly complex family bond that has led to both camaraderie and conflict. As Ayoade prepares to return to screens as a guest on the upcoming season of The Graham Norton Show, their familial ties and past disagreements have come back to the forefront of public discussion.
Familial Links and Public Fallout
Richard Ayoade, best known for his roles in *Travel Man* and *The IT Crowd*, is married to Lydia Fox, Laurence Fox’s sister. This connection has led to a degree of closeness between the two men, but their relationship has also faced significant strain. In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, Laurence Fox discussed their relationship, particularly focusing on a period of disagreement that stemmed from his controversial remarks during a 2020 appearance on the political debate show *Question Time*.
During that appearance, Fox labeled a woman of color who criticized him as a “white privileged male” as racist. Additionally, he dismissed the Meghan Markle race controversy as “boring,” stating that the UK is “the most tolerant lovely country in Europe.” His comments ignited a wave of backlash on social media, leading the Race Equality Committee of the actors’ union Equity to label him “a disgrace to our industry.
A Rift in the Family
Following these incidents, a rift developed between Richard and Laurence. Laurence revealed that Richard was “furious” with him for his statements, which put their family bond to the test. Although Laurence sought Richard’s support amid the backlash, he recounted that Richard’s response was pragmatic: “You know who I am and I know who you are,” he said, emphasizing that support on social media was not genuine.
This discord prompted a temporary distancing during family gatherings. Despite their usual Sunday family lunches, Laurence admitted there were weekends when he chose not to attend.
Reconciliation and Current Relationship
Despite their past disagreements, Laurence confirmed that he and Richard are “all friends now.” He reflected on the episode as a mere bump in the road, indicating their relationship has since returned to normalcy. Richard and Lydia have maintained their family life relatively private, with glimpses of their relationship appearing during red-carpet events. The couple, who married in 2007, share three children and reside in London.
The two first crossed paths while attending the University of Cambridge, where Richard was performing in a theatre production that Lydia attended. Their connection blossomed from there, leading to a lasting relationship that has navigated both the ups and downs of public life.
The Graham Norton Show’s Upcoming Season
Ayoade’s return to television comes as *The Graham Norton Show* prepares for its premiere on BBC One on September 27, 2024, after a five-month break. Ayoade will join a diverse lineup of celebrity guests, including Hollywood actress Demi Moore, music icon Lady Gaga, and actor Colin Farrell. This new series promises to deliver the engaging conversations and lively atmosphere that have made the show a staple of British entertainment.
Fans are eagerly awaiting Ayoade’s appearance, particularly as he discusses his humorous new book, *The Unfinished Harold Hughes*. The new season will also feature stories from the audience in the show’s signature Big Red Chair segment, further adding to the excitement of its return.
A Reflective Time for Ayoade
Graham Norton, the acclaimed host known for his entertaining interviews, has also taken the opportunity to reflect on his own personal life. Recently married to filmmaker Jonathan McLeod, Norton shared insights into his wedding experience and the subsequent media attention it garnered. The buzz surrounding Ayoade’s family connections and his humorous contributions to the new series showcases the dynamic relationship between personal narratives and public persona within the entertainment industry.
As Ayoade gets ready to perform again, fans will enjoy his funny side and learn more about his life and changing relationship with Fox. The next season of *The Graham Norton Show* will mix laughter with touching moments, making it a fun show to watch.
