Came as a bit of a shock to here the news this morning. A nice little tribute from Andrew Marr after the news headlines. I guess this was sadly why he missed Children in Need night last year.
Dreadful news. He really was the broadcaster's broadcaster. I had a suspicion something was up when he pulled out of Children In Need in November. I really hope Eurovision have some sort of tribute to him.
The Wogan family and the BBC have today released the following statement and tributes to Sir Terry Wogan.
Statement on behalf of the Wogan family:
"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."
Bob Shennan, Controller of Radio 2, said:
"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."
Helen Boaden, Director of BBC Radio, 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."
Tony Hall, BBC Director-General, 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."
From Mark Linsey, Acting Director of BBC Television, said:
"Terry Wogan was part of the fabric of BBC Television, a consummate broadcaster who entertained and delighted millions. His contribution - to Children in Need, Eurovision, Blankety Blank and his long-running chat show Wogan - was truly outstanding. We will remember him with warmth, affection and admiration, and our thoughts are with his family."
(Sadly it's clear that this was expected with the preparations at hand)
Such sad news, it is again one of those few people who every generation has grew up with.
I can't bare to think what will happen when Sir Bruce dies (hopefully not for a while)
Last edited by PATV Scunthorpe on 31 January 2016 9:46am
One fond moment (of many) from his recent Great Food Trip series just encapsulated his wit – he was touring a cheesemonger and spotted a cheese called Drunken Burt. Sharp as a razor he said "Didn't he used to run the BBC?"
I'm not one to get overly emotional over the passing of a public figure that I have never met, but listening to Radio 2 this morning, and reading all the wonderfully warm tributes, I find myself in floods of tears.
