Sir Terry Wogan dies age 77

Sir Terry Wogan recording a track for Children in Need at Abbey Road studios in London. Picture: Katie Collins/PA Wire

The veteran broadcaster, known for his velvety voice on radio and television, was one of the UK and Ireland's best known stars.

A statement from his family said Sir Terry died surrounded by his family.

'˜Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer. He passed away surrounded by his family. While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time,' the Wogan family statement said.

Sir Terry Wogan (back), winner of the Old Court Whisky TV Personality of the Year Award, with three other winners Kenny Everett (left), Ernie Wise (right), and Frank Bough. Photo: PA Wire

BBC Director General Tony Hall described Sir Terry, who was born in Limerick, as a '˜national treasure'.

He said: '˜Terry truly was a national treasure. Today we've lost a wonderful friend. He was a lovely, lovely man and our thoughts are with his wife and family.

'˜For 50 years Sir Terry graced our screens and airwaves. His warmth, wit and geniality meant that for millions he was a part of the family.

'˜Wake up to Wogan was for millions of Radio 2 listeners the very best way to start the day. For decades he's been such a huge part of the BBC on television and radio and leaves so many wonderful memories.

Security men pretending to frogmarch Sir Terry Wogan from Broadcasting House in London as a humourous finale to his 12 years hosting the early morning BBC 2 radio breakfast programme. The veteran broadcaster has died aged 77 following a short illness. Photo: PA Wire

'˜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.'

Prime minister David Cameron 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.

'˜I grew up listening to him on the radio and watching him on TV. His charm and wit always made me smile.'

Just last November, Sir Terry was forced to pull out of presenting Children In Need at the last minute due to health issues.

Helen Boaden, director at BBC Radio, said: '˜Sir Terry was a radio legend. For decades, he gave great pleasure to radio listeners with his wit, warmth and inimitable humour. He was an extraordinary broadcaster but also incredibly good fun, and will be sorely missed.'

Bob Shennan, controller at Radio 2, said: '˜As the host of Wake Up To Wogan, Terry established himself as one of the greatest and most popular radio hosts this country has ever heard.

'˜We were brightened by his wonderful personality and charm as he woke us up every weekday morning, becoming an essential and much-loved part of our lives.

'˜His millions of listeners adored him, as did his whole Radio 2 family. We will miss him enormously and our thoughts at this very sad time are with Helen and all the family.'

Via: Press Association