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BBC broadcaster Terry Wogan succumbs to cancer at 77

Sir Terry, who was also the voice of Eurovision for many years, had been suffering from cancer.

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Today BBC director general Tony Hall paid tribute to the broadcaster.

On Sunday, Sir Terry’s family released a short statement in which it was announced he had died “after a short but fearless battle with cancer”.

A statement released by his family confirmed that the veteran of TV and radio had passed away.

Sir Terry, who has lived in Taplow since 1975, was surrounded by his family.

Sir Terry had last appeared on the airwaves at the beginning of November, when he hosted a show for Radio 2.

His “Wake up to Wogan” radio show was one of the most listened programs to in Europe – attracting around eight million regular listeners.

He helped raise millions of pounds for charity, hosting the BBC’s annual “Children In Need” appeal since it launched more than 30 years ago. “He leaves a remarkable legacy”.

“As an Irishman, Terry Wogan occupied a special place in British listeners’ hearts and he acted in no small way as a bridge between Ireland and Britain”.

“I was in love with the whole idea of it. I just loved the idea that you could be on this odd stage talking to interesting people from all over the world and he made it look like it was just a chat as it should have been”.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he will be “missed by millions”, while First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said he was a “broadcasting institution”. “I’ve worked with intimidating broadcasters and Terry wasn’t that”.

The Limerick-born had a 50-year career on television and radio. To many of us Terry was Radio 2.

And another praised the star’s talents, writing: “Sir Terry Wigan was one of the calmest presenters I’ve ever seen”.

Sir Terry originally went into banking after college before switching careers to join Ireland’s national Radio Eireann as a newsreader and announcer.

“I suggested the name as my dad was in the grocery trade”, said Wogan, who also had Guv’s Joy with Hills in the 1990s. I used to love him on Radio 2. “The staple of all great radio is the friend behind the microphone and he was the ultimate friend behind the microphone”. “We will miss him enormously and our thoughts at this very sad time are with Helen and all the family”, Shennan added.

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On accepting his degree, he said: “I wonder if you can imagine how much of an eejit you can feel when such distinguished people bestow virtues to you”.

Sir Terry Wogan recording a track for Children in Need at Abbey Road studios in London