BBC defends Graham Norton over drug comments

LONDON, Oct 8 (Reuters) The BBC defended flamboyant TV presenter Graham Norton today after he sparked anger by saying drugs can be ''amazing ... really, really fun''.

Norton, 43, who hosts ''Strictly Dance Fever'', told the women's magazine Marie Claire that he had ''tried loads of drugs'' but takes them very rarely and prefers a drink.

''I haven't done loads of Es (ecstasy),'' he was quoted as saying in an interview with Janet Street-Porter. ''The only time I did that was years and years and years ago. It was amazing. It was just great. It was really, really fun.'' The downside of taking drugs is that you spend time with people you normally wouldn't like, he added.

The National Drug Prevention Alliance said it was appalled, while MPs said the comments were irresponsible.

However, the BBC said the interview reflected Norton's ''frank and open nature''.

''They do not in any way impact on his ability to be a first class entertainer on BBC television,'' the BBC said in a statement.

REUTERS PB PM1636