In a delightful crossover between music and television, Taylor Swift has enlisted the charismatic talents of Graham Norton and several other notable guests from her recent appearance on his BBC chatshow for her latest music video. The whimsical visual for her single Opalite brings together a star-studded ensemble, showcasing Swift's creative vision and her admiration for the popular host.
A Nostalgic 90s Fantasy
The video, which Swift wrote and directed herself, is steeped in a retro 1990s aesthetic, creating a fantastical world where loneliness is alleviated through magical connections. Swift's character forms an unlikely friendship with a pet rock, while Domhnall Gleeson's equally solitary figure bonds with a cactus. The narrative unfolds as a spray-on substance called Opalite magically unites them, adding a touch of enchantment to the storyline.
Star-Studded Cast from Norton's Show
Not content with just featuring Graham Norton, Swift has cleverly incorporated the entire guest lineup from her October 2025 appearance on The Graham Norton Show. Alongside Norton, who plays a salesman promoting Opalite, the video includes actors Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, and Jodie Turner-Smith, as well as chart-topping musician Lewis Capaldi. Each brings their unique flair to the production, with Turner-Smith portraying a fitness instructor, Lee miming as a fictional singer-songwriter on MTV, and Capaldi taking on the role of a mall photographer.
Interestingly, while Cillian Murphy was part of that week's guest list, he does not appear in an acting capacity within the video. Instead, he features as a billboard image and provides a voiceover, adding another layer of intrigue to the project. This collaborative effort highlights the strong rapport and creative synergy that developed during their time on the chatshow.
Swift's Creative Inspiration
Introducing the video, Swift expressed her enthusiasm for the project, describing Graham Norton as "insanely charismatic and lovable". She recalled her experience on the October show, stating, "I remember thinking I got ridiculously lucky with the group I was paired with ... I was instantly struck with an *idea*." This idea quickly evolved into a full-fledged script, which she sent to Gleeson just a week later, casting him in a starring role.
Swift elaborated on her vision, saying, "I had this thought that it would be wild if all of our fellow guests on the Graham Norton show that night, including Graham himself, could be a part of it too. Like a school group project but for adults and it isn't mandatory. To my delight, everyone from the show made the effort to time travel back to the 90's with us and help with this video." Her words underscore the collaborative and fun-loving spirit that defines this unique production.
Norton's Transatlantic Appeal
Graham Norton's involvement in the video is a testament to his growing influence and popularity across the Atlantic. His chatshow has long captivated American audiences, with clips frequently going viral in the United States and Norton himself making appearances on US talkshows like Seth Meyers'. Swift, a relatively regular guest on Norton's show with five appearances since 2013, has previously shared the sofa with luminaries such as Bono and John Cleese, further cementing the show's star-studded reputation.
On social media, Norton shared his excitement about the project, posting on Instagram, "The thrill of a lifetime and the hardest secret I've ever had to keep!! Thank you thank you." His participation not only adds a touch of humour and warmth to the video but also reinforces the cross-cultural appeal of his television persona.
Chart Impact and Release Details
Opalite has already enjoyed significant success in the UK charts, peaking at number two upon its initial release. With the buzz surrounding this new music video, it is anticipated that the single will experience a resurgence in popularity, potentially climbing from its current position at number fifteen in next week's charts. The video is currently available for streaming on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, with a scheduled release on YouTube this Sunday, ensuring widespread accessibility for fans and music enthusiasts alike.
This creative endeavour not only showcases Taylor Swift's multifaceted talents as a singer, songwriter, and director but also highlights the enduring appeal of collaborative projects that bridge the worlds of music and television. By bringing together a beloved host and a diverse array of guests, Swift has crafted a memorable and enchanting visual experience that is sure to captivate audiences around the globe.
