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Wogan leaves Eurovision, Spooks gets new series

Terry Wogan
  • Posted at 2:59pm
  • 05 December 2008
  • by PaulJones-RT
  • 3 comments

Graham Norton to take over from Sir Terry

After more than 30 years spent guiding viewers through the "magnificent celebration of foolishness" that is the Eurovision Song Contest, Terry Wogan is passing the torch to Graham Norton.

The camp comic was excited to be taking over from Wogan, who he called "nothing less than a legend" and "an impossible act to follow."

But what prompted Wogan to leave? In the past, he's admitted to having become somewhat disillusioned by aspects of the competition, saying it was "no longer a music contest" and suggesting that prospects for entrants from western European were "poor".

Ahead of last year's edition he told Radio Times, "[This is] the best UK entry for a while: if we finish nowhere again, I worry that disenchantment might take hold. Eurovision is such silly fun, and I love doing it, but if the enthusiasm isn't there…"

But as the news of departure was announced, Wogan was upbeat about Eurovision and British chances next year in Moscow. "I've had 35 wonderful years commentating on the Eurovision… I'll be sad to leave it all behind, but I'll be watching and listening, and happy to leave it in the witty hands of Graham."

"Let's hope that between him and the musical brilliance of Lloyd Webber, Royaume Uni [the UK's 2009 entry] will gather its proper share of 'Douze Points' and bring the Grand Prix home to where it belongs."

Spooks to return for eighth series

As Spooks fans brace themselves for the series seven finale - which has "a sting in its tale", according to executive producer Simon Crawford Collins - they can rest assured that the spy drama is not gone for good.

The hit drama series been re-commissioned for an eighth run after receiving critical acclaim and continuing to secure strong ratings, regularly attracting over 5.7 million viewers on BBC1 and BBC3.

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Comments

  • Posted on 20 April 2009
  • at 7:59pm
  • by sonofned

About time Sir Terry detached himself from what has become a farce. He is too smart a man to be connected with the joke that Eurovision now is.

The position should suit Mr.Graham Norton,I have to admit to being a fan of his. I hope he has the staying power of Sir Terry Wogan.

  • Posted on 20 April 2009
  • at 7:59pm
  • by sonofned

About time Sir Terry detached himself from what has become a farce. He is too smart a man to be connected with the joke that Eurovision now is.

The position should suit Mr.Graham Norton,I have to admit to being a fan of his. I hope he has the staying power of Sir Terry Wogan.

  • Posted on 10 December 2008
  • at 12:12pm
  • by Ionaclio

In our house we watch Eurovision on TV but listen to the Radio 2 commentary by the fantastic Ken Bruce...I promise you he is just as funny as Wogan.

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