Northern Ireland

Wogan hid seriousness of illness from friends

Sir Terry Wogan, who has died aged 77. Picture by Katie Collins/PA Wire
Sir Terry Wogan, who has died aged 77. Picture by Katie Collins/PA Wire Sir Terry Wogan, who has died aged 77. Picture by Katie Collins/PA Wire

Terry Wogan's passing will be felt by millions like a death in the family, friends said last night.

Hailed as a "national treasure", the 77-year-old from Limerick died yesterday surrounded by his family after a remarkable 50-year career on television and radio.

He was last on air on BBC Radio 2 just under three months ago, but days later was forced to pull out of presenting Children In Need due to health issues.

A family statement issued by the BBC said: "Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer. While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time."

Even close friends were unaware of the gravity of his condition because, according to fellow broadcaster Henry Kelly, he had "put it out that he had a bad back".

Mr Kelly said his partner broke the news as he returned home from Mass yesterday morning.

"I didn't know he was that seriously ill. I knew he'd been told not to do Children In Need because, as he quipped himself, they don't want an 'oul fella of 77 standing up for 10 hours asking for money."

Mr Kelly grew up among the Wogan family under the watchful eye of Terry's mother Rose - "known affectionately as Mammy Wogan" - after first becoming good friends with his younger brother Brian at Belvedere College in Dublin.

"For so many people in this country, it is going to be like a death in the family - they adored Wogan," he said.

"I can't speak highly enough of him. I think it is a terrible loss."

Wogan, famed for his velvety voice on radio and television, was one of the UK and Ireland's best known stars for decades.

Noel Curran, director general of RTÉ, described him as "a consummate broadcaster and an ambassador for Irish talent in the UK - particularly during some difficult times in Ireland's relationship with Britain".

"He is fondly remembered for his early years in RTE and still has many friends in the organisation."

President Michael D Higgins said he had learned with sadness of the death of "one of the great figures of broadcasting".

"People in Ireland will remember his early career in Irish broadcasting. On his move to Britain his voice became one of the most often quoted, favourite radio voices.

"Always proud of his origins in Limerick, he made many returns to his native country for television and radio projects.

"His rise to the top of radio listenership in the United Kingdom was a great tribute to his breadth of knowledge and in particular his unique, very personal sense of humour."

Prime Minister David Cameron said Sir Terry was "someone millions came to feel was their own special friend".

"My thoughts are with Terry Wogan's family. Britain has lost a huge talent... I grew up listening to him on the radio and watching him on TV. His charm and wit always made me smile."

First Minister Arlene Foster said: "I am so, so sorry to hear about the death of Terry Wogan. I used to love him on Radio 2.

"His Eurovision coverage was legendary for its wit.

"Children In Need was synonymous with Sir Terry and when he missed it in November, little did we think it was because he was terminally ill.

"A truly fabulous broadcaster and family man, we are certainly the poorer for his passing."

Here are some memories of Limerick native #TerryWogan who entertained millions on both sides of the Irish Seahttps://t.co/mNwh9XTVlV — RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 31, 2016

BBC Director General Tony Hall said he was "a lovely, lovely man and our thoughts are with his wife and family".

"At the centre of Children In Need since its beginning he raised hundreds of millions of pounds and changed so many lives for the better. He leaves a remarkable legacy."

A Eurovision spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Terry Wogan. He was without doubt the most remarkable Eurovision commentator in history."

His successor, fellow Irishman Graham Norton said: "He made it seem effortless and for a young boy in Ireland he made it seem possible."