TV and radio presenter Terry Wogan. AFP FILE PHOTO
LONDON — BBC presenter Terry Wogan, host of Britain’s flagship television chatshow in the 1980s and of Eurovision over three decades, died of cancer on Sunday aged 77, his family announced.
“Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer. He passed away surrounded by his family,” said a family statement.
Irish-born Wogan had a successful television career and hosted a hugely popular radio show for 27 years, retiring in 2009.
He offered commentary on the Eurovision Song Contest from 1980 until 2008, garnering a huge following with his light-hearted cynicism of the kitsch music competition.
Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain had lost a “huge talent”.
“I grew up listening to him on the radio and watching him on TV,” he wrote on Twitter. “His charm and wit always made me smile.
“Britain has lost a huge talent — someone millions came to feel was their own special friend,” he added.
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