Terry Wogan, one of Britain’s most beloved broadcasters, has passed away at the age of 77 after battling cancer. The news was confirmed by his family on 31 January.
In a statement, they said: "Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer.
Terry has been the face of Children In Need since its launch in 1980
"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. "Leading the tributes, BBC director general Tony Hall 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.
Terry and his wife Helen in 2013
In a statement, Terry said he would miss "our wonderful, inspiring evening" but would still be "watching, cheering and donating".
"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. "The terribly sad news comes just two months after Terry pulled out of Children in Need due to health reasons. It was the first time he had not hosted the BBC show since its launch in 1980.The TV star was having a procedure on his back and is understood to have withdrawn in line with doctors’ advice.
Prime Minister David Cameron also paid tribute to the broadcast legend, writing on Twitter: "My thoughts are with Terry Wogan's family. Britain has lost a huge talent - someone millions came to feel was their own special friend. "I grew up listening to him on the radio and watching him on tv. His charm and wit always made me smile. "TV presenter Piers Morgan also paid his respects, writing: "RIP Sir Terry Wogan. One of the greatest broadcasters who ever lived. Such sad news. "Fellow broadcaster and friend Tony Blackburn, meanwhile, said: "I can hardly believe my old friend Sir Terry Wogan has died. RIP Terry and thanks for being a friend.”The news of Terry’s death has clearly had a huge impact on the BBC. Helen Boaden, director at 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. "Meanwhile, Bob Shennan, the host of Terry’s hit Radio 2 show Wake Up To Wogan, wrote a heartfelt message: "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.”
