Sir Terry Wogan has died at the aged of 77, after a short battle with cancer. The veteran broadcaster had an exemplary career in radio and television, which spanned over 50 years.
A versatile entertainer, Wogan could turn his hand to presenting anything, from the much-loved game show Blankety Blank to his own popular self-titled chat show Wogan. His relaxed interview style enabled his interviewees to open up, and paved the way for chat show hosts such as Alan Carr and Graham Norton.
Norton took over commentating duties on The Eurovision Song Contest from Wogan, who had presided over the contest for four decades; and he has lead tributes to commemorate the life and work of Wogan, calling him “a true gentleman”. UK Prime Minister David Cameron also expressed his condolences in a series of tweets, noting that “Britain has lost a huge talent – someone millions came to feel was their own special friend”.
Wogan had to pull out of presenting last year’s Children In Need campaign, due to health reasons – a role he held for 34 years. Wogan also had an illustrious career in radio, which began on RTE before he moved to the BBC in 1966.
Since then, he secured his own afternoon slot, before presenting the Radio 2 Breakfast Show in 1972. He returned to the channel in 1993 with Wake Up With Wogan, and later hosted his 2 hour Sunday show, Weekend Wogan. His warm and witty style of radio presenting endeared him to millions of listeners, generation after generation.
Wogan is survived by his wife of 41 years, Helen Joyce, and his children Mark, Katherine, Alan and Vanessa.
#Peace.Love.RIPSirTerryWogan
