Broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan has died, aged 77.
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Terry Wogan’s career spanned more than four decades, during which he was the voice of BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show and recurring presenter for Children In Need and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Sir Terry, who was also the voice of Eurovision for many years, had been suffering from cancer.
A statement said the Limerick-born broadcaster died surrounded by his family after “a short but courageous battle with cancer”. “We will miss him enormously and our thoughts at this very sad time are with [his wife] Helen and all the family”.
Universally recognised as a national treasure, he was a consummate broadcaster on both TV and radio, instantly at ease with his guests and in tune with his audience. “He was a lovely, lovely man and our thoughts are with his wife and family”, Hall continued.
Australian singer Kylie Minogue passed her condolences on in a post that read, “Sir Terry interviewed/introduced me many times over the years”.
It was here Lynn said she came to appreciate Sir Terry’s “subversive wit and warmth of character”, adding that he made her feel “instantly welcome and part of the team”.
In 1972 he took over the breakfast show on BBC Radio 2, becoming immensely popular with listeners. “He leaves a remarkable legacy”.
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said “Wogan occupied a special place in British listeners’ hearts and he acted in no small way as a bridge between Ireland and Britain”.
“He always made you smile, made you laugh”, the Prime Minister added.
“To call someone a national treasure is sometimes a bit of a cliche, but with Terry Wogan that is absolutely what he was”.
Jon Furniss/Invision for Children In Need/AP ImagesSir Terry Wogan seen at “An Evening With The Stars In Aid Of Children In Need”, on Wednesday 16th October 2013 in London.
Sir Terry was a self-confessed atheist, however, one of the last people to visit him before his death was Catholic priest and lifelong friend, Fr Brian D’Arcy, according to the Daily Telegraph.
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”.
Sir Terry, who has lived in Taplow since 1975, was surrounded by his family.
Despite Sir Terry’s experience and great reputation Mayo, who first met him covering the 1992 Olympics, said he was the opposite of intimidating.
“He was warm, funny, welcoming, generous”.
They included football legend George Best turning up drunk, former sports presenter David Icke proclaiming himself as “a son of the Godhead”, US actor Chevy Chase remaining silent throughout the interview and music icon David Bowie’s refusing to cooperate.
“I have nothing but the happiest memories of Limerick and I was very proud when I watched O’Connell Street full of people when the Munster rugby team won the Heineken Cup”, he said.
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“It is just sad that we never actually met”.
