VETERAN broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan has pulled out of presenting charity fundraiser Children in Need tonight due to health reasons.
The 77-year-old Limerick-born broadcaster has presented the annual event since 1980.
He had been due to host the fundraiser alongside presenters including Tess Daly and Fearne Cotton.
In a statement, he said: "I'm going to miss our wonderful, inspiring evening together, but I'll be with you, watching, cheering and donating."
The popular presenter is widely seen as the face of Children in Need, even releasing two Christmas singles with singer Aled Jones to raise money.
His statement read: "So here we are on the 36th edition of Children in Need, every one of which I've been proud to present since it started in 1980, and for the first time, I won't be there to cheer you on with word and gesture to another record-breaking year."
The BBC said a replacement host will be announced in due course.
A BBC spokesman wished Sir Terry a speedy recovery.
"We are so sorry that Terry won't be with us tomorrow night as we know how passionate he is about Children in Need," he said.
