Graham Norton talks age bias in gay relationships

British TV talk show host Graham Norton has spoken out about how many gay men choose to date those much younger than them.

The 52-year-old Irish presenter, comedian, and actor discussed his relationship status in a recent interview with Daily Mail.

The star, who’s been single but dating, since breaking up with then 30-year-old boyfriend Trevor Patterson in 2013, said that, “…on some level I feel like I’ve failed because by the time you’re my age, you really should be settled.”

He went on to observe, “But then I look at the relationships people around me have and I find myself asking, ‘Really?! That doesn’t look like winning to me.’

“It seems that the compromises people have to make aren’t ones I’m willing to make. I don’t know the answer. Maybe I’m just suited to being single.”

Norton added that he’s hopeful that he might still fine someone, but noted that dating within his age group had become quite difficult.

“That’s the weird thing,” he said. “Gay men my age don’t want to date someone their age.”

Despite his lack of success in the relationship department, Norton said he still had no regrets.

“To succeed in this business you do have to work very hard and sacrifice a lot to get there. There are years of penury. Once you’ve arrived, you don’t walk away from it lightly because getting there has cost you dear. Mind you, it’s quite a fun job, isn’t it? It’s not digging coal.”