07/09/2009

Wogan Bows Out Of UK's Most Popular Breakfast Show

Sir Terry Wogan has announced today that he will stand down from presenting Wake Up To Wogan on BBC Radio 2 at the end of this year.

After two stints totalling 27 years, Chris Evans will replace Britain's most-listened-to broadcaster.

Wogan give up early mornings at the end of 2009.

He will continue on Radio 2 with a brand new weekend radio programme launching early next year, details of which will be announced at a later date.

Speaking on this morning's show he said: "Now, if you'll pardon me, I've a little bit of news of my own. If the mail is anything to go by, most of the listening population have spotted a report that next year, I'm going to turn into Chris Evans.

"And I hate to tell you, but it's true. I was hoping to break it to you, my loyal listener, more gently. I wanted to be the first to tell you. It's the least I owe you, for endless years, countless hours of morning companionship, friendship, good humour, and laughter. Your loyalty and support has been a beacon of love in my life."

Wogan paid tribute to his listeners saying there hasn't been a morning, no matter how dark and dreary, that he hasn't had a smile on his face and a song in his heart at the prospect of their company, marvellous mail, wit and wisdom.

He added: "This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my broadcasting career, to say goodbye to you in the mornings. But if not this year, when? Five years, 10? I'd rather leave while we're in love, as the song says, while the programme is the most popular on British radio, while we still delight in each other's company."

Wogan continue to host the Proms in the Park and Children in Need.

Bob Shennan, Controller, Radio 2 and 6 Music, commented:"Terry is unequivocally the most accomplished radio presenter of his generation. I know his TOGs and TYGs would like me to thank Terry for his years of devotion to the programme and I'm delighted that Terry has agreed to present a new, exciting show on Radio 2 next year."

Terry first presented on BBC Radio in the late Sixties with Midday Spin.

His first spell on the show ended in December 1984 when he left to continue his TV career by presenting Wogan, the thrice weekly BBC One chat show from 1985 to 1992.

He returned to the network in January 1993, establishing Wake Up To Wogan as the country's most-listened-to breakfast show.

(GK/KMcA)

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