SIR Terry Wogan has died aged 77 of cancer.
In a statement, his family said: “Sir Terry Wogan died today after a
short but brave battle with cancer.
“He passed away surrounded by his family. While we understand he will be
missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time.”
Tributes
have poured in from the entertainment world for the veteran broadcaster.
It comes just two months after he pulled out of presenting charity fundraiser
Children In Need due to health reasons.
Announcing he could not present the BBC show in November, he said in a
statement: “I’m going to miss our wonderful, inspiring evening
together, but I’ll be with you, watching, cheering and donating.”
Friends of the broadcaster had said he’d be keeping a low profile but had
planned to return to work.
Richard Madeley has been standing in for Sir Terry on his Radio 2 show Weekend
Wogan since the star stopped for health reasons.
The Irishman had said in September he wanted to work for another decade
saying: “I’d love to keep going for another 10 years, I’ll cling to the
wreckage for as long as I can.
“I’m supposed to be retiring, but I’m not. I have no plans to retire – they’ll
have to carry me off stage.”
The veteran broadcaster, known for his velvety voice on radio and television
throughout his 50-year career, was one of the UK and Ireland’s best known
stars.
Limerick-born Sir Terry was the voice of Eurovision for many years and had
been involved in Children in Need since it began.
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BBC Director General Tony Hall said “Terry truly was a national treasure.
“Today we’ve lost a wonderful friend. He was a lovely, lovely man and our
thoughts are with his wife and family.
“For 50 years Sir Terry graced our screens and airwaves. His warmth, wit and
geniality meant that for millions he was a part of the family.
“Wake up to Wogan was for millions of Radio 2 listeners the very best way to
start the day. For decades he’s been such a huge part of the BBC on
television and radio and leaves so many wonderful memories.
“At the centre of Children In Need since its beginning he raised hundreds of
millions of pounds and changed so many lives for the better. He leaves a
remarkable legacy.”
David Cameron said: “My thoughts are with Terry Wogan’s family. Britain
has lost a huge talent – someone millions came to feel was their own special
friend.
“I grew up listening to him on the radio and watching him on TV. His
charm and wit always made me smile.”
And BBC Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan added: “As the host of Wake up to
Wogan, Terry established himself as one of the greatest and most popular
radio hosts this country has ever heard.
“We were brightened by his wonderful personality and charm as he woke us
up every weekday morning, becoming an essential and much-loved part of our
lives.
“His millions of listeners adored him, as did his whole Radio 2 family.
We will miss him enormously and our thoughts at this very sad time are with
Helen and all the family.”
Sir Terry orignally went into banking before switching jobs and joining
Ireland’s national Radio Eireann as a newsreader and announcer.
The softly spoken star later moved into light entertainment as a DJ and TV
quiz show host before coming to Britain and joining the BBC.
BBC Radio director Helen Broaden said: “Sir Terry was a radio legend. For
decades, he gave great pleasure to radio listeners with his wit, warmth and
inimitable humour.
“He was an extraordinary broadcaster but also incredibly good fun, and
will be sorely missed.”
More to follow