Graham Norton could probably perform an entire stand-up routine about one topic: Liza Minnelli and David Gest ’s wedding.
The TV host was one of many famous faces at the 2002 nuptials in New York, with a congregation that included Donald Trump and Sir Anthony Hopkins, to name but a few.
“They had been on the show to promote a gig Liza was doing at the Albert Hall,” recalls Graham.
“They gave me this gold envelope and I thought it was tickets for the show but it was an invitation to their wedding. It was good, as you would imagine.”
Graham continued: “Dame Elizabeth Taylor was bridesmaid, but Liz arrived at the church having forgotten her shoes. Now earrings and a handbag, maybe, but hard to forget your shoes.”
And despite a room full of A-Listers, one guest really stood out from the crowd, by trying to remain private.
“The reception people were sitting at big round tables except for one table and it was surrounded by security guards all facing out,” says Graham.
“On that table by himself was Michael Jackson all alone, eating.
“He also made the shortest best man’s speech I have ever heard – I am not sure he said both their names. He just sat there.”
The couple split a year later, suing each other before agreeing an amicable divorce.
