Tributes are pouring in for Sir Terry Wogan after the radio and TV star’s family revealed he had passed away after a "short but brave" battle with cancer.Prime Minister David Cameron lead the tributes by offering his condolences on Twitter, writing: "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. "BBC Radio 2 presenter Dermot O’Leary also expressed his sadness, writing: "Sir Terry. Just the most warm-hearted, generous, funny, clever, life-affirming man. Part of the foundations of @BBCRadio2 so very sad."
Will Young, who appeared on Terry Wogan’s Radio 2 show several times, wrote: "My dear dear buddy in broadcasting and favourite person and father figure Terry Wogan has passed on. Thank you for being so kind. "Also saddened by the news was This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby, who said: "Just seen the news. Had the pleasure of meeting Sir Terry Wogan a few times, every time he was the wonderful man you hoped he’d be, RIP X."
The Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes said: "Such a sad day today. The loss of such a legend…had the pleasure of being around such a warm welcoming person. Such an inspiration…"Piers Morgan added: "RIP Sir Terry Wogan. One of the greatest broadcasters who ever lived. Such sad news. There are great TV broadcasters & great radio broadcasters. Terry Wogan was the greatest TV & Radio broadcaster. A legend of all airwaves. "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.”
Terry 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. "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.”
