Wogan wakes up for final breakfast show
Millions of listeners were waking up with Wogan for the last time today as Irish broadcaster Terry hosted his final BBC Radio 2 breakfast show.
The star, who bows out after a total of 27 years, has already admitted that leaving the show is a huge wrench and preparing to say goodbye had been “a hell of strain emotionally and mentally”.
Wogan was taking no chances to ensure he was prepared for his final show. The 71-year-old presenter stayed across the road from the BBC’s Broadcasting House instead of commuting from Buckinghamshire for fear that overnight snowfalls might delay his show.
The broadcasting legend told listeners yesterday that it was the first time he had ever taken such a precaution during his long tenure at the station.
Wogan hands over to current drivetime host Chris Evans – a one-time rival during his Radio 1 and Virgin Radio days – who steps into the role in the new year.
The well-loved host will be keenly missed by his devoted legion of fans, the TOGS (Terry’s Old Geezers/Gals).
Yesterday, Wogan asked listeners to be gentle with his replacement telling them: “Mind you take him to your hearts, because he’s a really nice, decent fella.”
More than 3,000 listeners have signed an online farewell card to mark his last appearance on the show.
Wogan, whose rich, relaxed voice saw him named the greatest male voice in radio by Radio Times readers, first presented the breakfast slot on Radio 2 in 1972.
He left to present his celebrated BBC1 evening chat show in the mid 1980s, but returned to breakfast radio in 1993 where he has remained until now.
Last week, the presenter was honoured by industry body the Radio Academy at which colleagues and rivals paid tribute to his broadcasting gifts.
