Tributes continue to pour in for Sir Terry Wogan, the BBC presenter who died yesterday at the age of 77, after what his family described as a "short but brave" battle with cancer.
"Terry established himself as one of the greatest and most popular radio hosts this country has ever heard," said BBC Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan. "We will miss him enormously and our thoughts at this very sad time are with [his wife] Helen and all the family."
Graham Norton, who succeeded Sir Terry as the BBC's commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest, tweeted: "He made it seem effortless and for a young boy in Ireland he made it seem possible. RIP Sir Terry Wogan."
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The Limerick-born TV and radio presenter's career spanned more than 50 years, with highlights including his long-running BBC Radio 2 breakfast show Wake Up to Wogan, TV quiz show Blankety Blank and the annual Children in Need telethon. Sir Terry was also renowned for his sardonic commentary of the Eurovision Song Contest. A dual citizen of Ireland and Britain, he was knighted in 2005 and regularly described as a national treasure.
Sir Terry's soft-spoken wit and wisdom enthralled millions. Here are five of his most memorable gems:
On the Eurovision Song Contest: "Who knows what hellish future lies ahead? Actually, I do. I've seen the rehearsals."
"Gratuitously hurtful folk declare that I am very popular in hospitals because the listeners abed there are too weak to reach out and switch me off."
"Go out and face the world secure in the knowledge that everybody else thinks they are better-looking than they are as well."
"The only physical adornments which grow bigger with passing years are the nose and ears. The rest, regrettably, diminishes."
On broadcasting: "Get on your toes, keep your wits about you, say goodnight politely when it’s over, go home and enjoy your dinner."
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