Iconic broadcaster passed away after a short illness
Politicians, singers and other entertainment personalities have paid tribute to broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan following the news of his death.
The news that Wogan has lost a short battle with cancer was announced this morning in a statement from his family. Since then social media has been awash with tributes, pictures and heartfelt messages from a range of different people.
Prime Minister David Cameron was one of the first to comment. He tweeted, “My thoughts are with Terry Wogan’s family. Britain has lost a huge talent – someone millions came to feel was their own special friend.”
He added, “I grew up listening to him on the radio and watching him on TV. His charm and wit always made me smile.”
1/2 My thoughts are with Terry Wogan's family. Britain has lost a huge talent – someone millions came to feel was their own special friend.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 31, 2016
2/2 I grew up listening to him on the radio and watching him on tv. His charm and wit always made me smile.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 31, 2016
Australian singer Kylie Minogue passed her condolences on in a post that read, “Sir Terry interviewed/introduced me many times over the years. Always a true gent. #RIPTerryWogan.”
Sir Terry interviewed/introduced me many times over the years. Always a true gent. #RIPTerryWogan pic.twitter.com/kJi8Swj2th
— kylie minogue (@kylieminogue) January 31, 2016
Fresh from the announcement of his latest film, comedian and actor Ricky Gervais took to Twitter to pay his respects. “Wogan had a twinkle in his eye,” he declared. “If you have that, it’s the last thing you lose.”
Wogan had a twinkle in his eye. If you have that, it's the last thing you lose. RIP
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 31, 2016
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn followed his political rival in remembering the BBC broadcaster too. He said, “Very sad news about Terry Wogan. A wonderful & iconic presenter who’ll be missed by millions. My thoughts are with his family & friends.”
Very sad news about Terry Wogan. A wonderful & iconic presenter who'll be missed by millions. My thoughts are with his family & friends.
— Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) January 31, 2016
A wealth of stars from the world of TV and radio – where Wogan was known best – have expressed their sadness at Sir Terry’s passing. Chris Evans, Graham Norton, Greg James and Rob Brydon have all posted heartfelt messages online about their former friend and colleague.
We are all so terribly sad upon hearing of the passing of Terry. I can't put into words how the whole Radio 2 family is feeling.
— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) January 31, 2016
— Greg James (@gregjames) January 31, 2016
Terribly sad news. Terry was as lovely, warm and witty in person as he was on air. A special man, a one off, a bringer of happiness #RIP
— Rob Brydon (@RobBrydon) January 31, 2016
He made it seem effortless and for a young boy in Ireland he made it seem possible. RIP Sir Terry Wogan. I'll raise a glass during song 9.
— graham norton (@grahnort) January 31, 2016
Musicians other than Kylie haven’t been slow to register their support for Wogan’s family either. Hozier, Lianne La Havas, Gilles Peterson and Craig David were all amongst the mourners.
Terry Wogan was an absolute legend of Broadcasting – my dad's fave RIP
— Gilles Peterson (@gillespeterson) January 31, 2016
Very sad to hear of the passing of Terry Wogan. Rest in peace.
— Hozier (@Hozier) January 31, 2016
The joy you gave millions of people will live on Terry Wogan. 🇬🇧
— Craig David (@CraigDavid) January 31, 2016
RIP Terry Wogan xxxxxx
— Lianne La Havas (@liannelahavas) January 31, 2016
Terry Wogan enjoyed a 50 year career in the broadcasting service, spent mostly at the BBC. He became the face of Children In Need, the voice of the Eurovision Song Contest and a cherished interviewer and presenter by millions.