Sir Terry Wogan passes away after short illness at the age of 77
Sir Terry Wogan has passed away at the age of 77 following a short illness his family told the BBC.
The veteran broadcaster spent a large part of his career working at the BBC, hosting his own talk show Wogan and presenting shows such as Children in Need and Eurovision among many TV appearances, as well as hosting popular radio shows on BBC Radio 2.
"Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer," his family said in a statement.
"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."
Widely thought of as a national treasure, he was forced to pull out of hosting Children in Need in November due to his health. He was the face of the annual fundraising event for 36 years, one of many achievements in his 50 year career.
"Terry truly was a national treasure," said BBC director general Tony Hall.
"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."
Director of BBC Radio Helen Boaden called Sir Terry a radio legend.
Fellow broadcasters, sports stars, presenters and entertainers paid tribute to the star.
He made it seem effortless and for a young boy in Ireland he made it seem possible. RIP Sir Terry Wogan. I'll raise a glass during song 9.
— graham norton (@grahnort) January 31, 2016
Very sad. Terry Wogan made it all look effortless and easy. Legend. https://t.co/ktZYGOb9hM
— Lorraine (@reallorraine) January 31, 2016
What awful news to wake up to. @terry_wogan you were one in a million. A rare broadcaster who felt like a friend to so many. #ripterrywogan
— Kate Thornton (@k8_thornton) January 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/gregjames/status/693728804133605377
Very sad to hear about Terry Wogan. He was all that was good about the BBC when I was growing up
— Will Carling (@willcarling) January 31, 2016
Such sad news about Sir Terry Wogan. Television Jedi
— Leigh Francis (@LeighFrancis) January 31, 2016
RIP Sir Terry Wogan.
One of the greatest broadcasters who ever lived.
Such sad news.— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 31, 2016
1/2 My thoughts are with Terry Wogan's family. Britain has lost a huge talent – someone millions came to feel was their own special friend.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 31, 2016
2/2 I grew up listening to him on the radio and watching him on tv. His charm and wit always made me smile.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 31, 2016
Terry Wogan was a busy man. But he kindly gave up a day to film some scenes for Moone Boy. He brought and wore his own 80's mustard suit.1/2
— chris o'dowd (@BigBoyler) January 31, 2016
2/2 I felt guilty as our day ran long, but when we finished, he still insisted on taking us all out for pizza. He was, and is, a class act.
— chris o'dowd (@BigBoyler) January 31, 2016
My tribute to Sir Terry Wogan. @BBCBreaking @sharonlhanley @BBCNews @BBCRadio2 pic.twitter.com/QLUlb7xJXM
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) January 31, 2016