The family of the veteran BBC broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan has confirmed he has died today, aged 77, following a short illness.

In a short statement released this morning, 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.”

The Irish broadcaster, who was Knighted in 2005, is known as one of the best-loved voices of British television and radio, particularly for his often tongue-in-cheek commentaries of the Eurovision Song Contest, his morning show Wake up to Wogan on BBC Radio 2, which ran until 2009, and for hosting the BBC’s annual Children in Need telethon fundraiser.

Today, BBC director general Tony Hall said: “Terry truly was a national treasure.”

Sir Terry leaves behind wife Lady Helen and their three children.

 

Greg Whitaker

 

Photo: Lorenzo Agius