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Terry Wogan quits breakfast show

Terry Wogan
  • Posted at 2:19pm
  • 07 September 2009
  • by PaulJones-RT
  • 10 comments

Legendary broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan has announced he will be quitting his ratings-winning BBC Radio 2 breakfast show at the end of the year, after stints beginning in 1972 and 1993 and totalling 27 years.

Wake Up to Wogan garners nearly eight million listeners per week, making it the most popular breakfast radio show in the country. Fans even have their own name for themselves - "Togs" (Terry's Old Geezers/Gals).

Terry made the announcement live on air this morning, describing the decision as "the hardest thing I have ever done." He told listeners, "It touches me deeply that I've played a part in your lives for, it seems like, generations."

Chris Evans, currently the host of Radio 2's Drivetime show, is set to replace Wogan in the hot seat, but could have some convincing to do as far as Terry's fiercely loyal listeners are concerned.

Meanwhile, there's some positive news for Wogan fans - the 71-year-old is set to begin a new radio show in the New Year, with details yet to be revealed.

**

Are you a Wake Up to Wogan listener? How has the news affected you? Do you think Chris Evans is a worthy replacement? Post a comment below and let us know.

And don't forget to peruse our photo gallery of memorable moments from Terry's amazing broadcasting career - with hilarious captions by the man himself!

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Comments

  • Posted on 03 October 2009
  • at 10:54am
  • by MW

I shall miss Terry's giggle - it's infectious and that is what makes him so much fun. He also has that lovely soft, soothing voice and still tells you the name of the music played and the performer(s). Chris Evans is OK but sounds like a girl! He has such a terrible voice and it will make me want to throw the radio out not listen to it in the mornings.

  • Posted on 09 September 2009
  • at 1:06pm
  • by jc

Sorry to hear the great man is retiring from the morning show,his cheery wit and restful voice is always a good start to the day. Which brings me to Chris Evans. I have got used to him on drive time but why does he always have to shout. The majority of morning listeners might be getting on in years but we're not all deaf. I hope he calms down a bit for the morning show. I'll certainly give him a try but may have to find a more relaxed presenter. I feel in general R2 does not cater for the more mature listener with it's constant diet of pop music .Why not have have programmes with a more varied mix of music during the day as most younger people are at work.

  • Posted on 08 September 2009
  • at 5:40pm
  • by Varaway

I am in complete agreement with Ejay and I too will never listen to the program again. I can't stand the shouting, insincere, in your face style of Chris Evans. Yet more dumbing down by the BBC. What a sad place England has become.

  • Posted on 08 September 2009
  • at 3:47pm
  • by Ejay

I too am sorry Terry is leaving Radio 2. He has a great voice for broadcasting on a breakfast show and his wonderful sense of humour is a treat. As for his replacement, well, I have only listened to Drive Time once since Johnnie left as I feel that Radio 2 is not ready for Chris Evans, I can't stand his shouting and such in the evening slot, let alone in the mornings so I suppose the breaksfast show is yet another one of Radio 2's show that I shall be switching off. I do wish Terry the best of luck though and hope he enjoys his semi-retirement.

  • Posted on 08 September 2009
  • at 3:10pm
  • by Poppy

I'm only 16 but I love Wake up to Wogan. I always wake up in bed and listen to it befre I go to school- I love his gentle humour, especially when it follows a track, like: 'Not the CLEAREST diction in the world' followed by a chuckle.

I will miss him but Chris Evans is a worthy heir to the Wogan Throne.

  • Posted on 08 September 2009
  • at 2:14pm
  • by janeGT

I have listened to Terry since day one and adore his gentle intellectual wit. I had the great pleasure of meeting him in 2003 with my daughter of 11 who also loved his wit. A true gentleman and I will miss him. It is at 71 time for him if he so wishes to spend more time with his family and grandchildren and I wish him well. Much as I will miss him, it is his decision and so all TOGS, TWIGS, TAG AND TWITS must wish him well. I don't know yet about Chris as a replacement. All things change, nothing lasts forever and a pale imitation of terry would do no good at all. I wish you well Sir Terry and enjoy Your retirement. Most pleased to know we shall be hearing from you a little. God Bless and enjoy every moment of your lie ins now...... New broom to sweep clean? We shall see.

  • Posted on 08 September 2009
  • at 12:29pm
  • by Cliff

Terry has been great to wake up to for many years with his gentle wit and humor. Chris is great on the drivet time show but I feel that he will be too full on and livley for the radio2 breakfast listners who if they want this kind of show can tune into radio 1. please find someone more apprpriate for your listners.

  • Posted on 08 September 2009
  • at 9:49am
  • by Lisa Ross

I am quite sad that Terry is leaving as he has become a big part of my morning ritual. BUT of late, I have been bored with "same old, same old" and found I was searching out local radio instead. I think Terry is right to go when he is on a high with the amount of listeners he is getting, but the TOGS are not going to take this lying down....They are far too active for that and the amount of work that Terry and the Togs do for charity is quite astounding and worthy of much praise, although I am sure they are far too modest to seek that out. One thing I will miss on Wake Up To Wogan and no, it is not the Janet and John story slot which is too near the bone for young ears, but seems terribly popular. NO. I will miss the Pause for Thought slot at 9.15 which I am willing to bet will be dropped. It has been so interesting over the years to have talks by Rabbis, Muslims, Buddhist as well as Christian contributors, which have crossed the divide admirably. I wish Chris all the best and I am sure he will soon have his own fanbase of early morning listeners. He is excellent on Drivetime and am sure will fill Terry's shoes quite suitably. We have to give the guy a chance....But all good wishes go to Sir Terry and commiserations to Lady Wogan who is going to have him under her feet most of the day now!

  • Posted on 07 September 2009
  • at 9:59pm
  • by Black Cat

Thank you Terry... for your years of loyal 'service'.

But please, not Chris. He is not the right replacement.

  • Posted on 07 September 2009
  • at 8:07pm
  • by Karen

I was really sad to hear Terry speak this morning about leaving the show as he has been around for me during many difficult times i n my life (only 35) and he had such a warm, reasuring voice - I will really miss him. I can only think Chris is the obvious replacement as he has such great qualities and is in a really good place in his life right now - I will listen to Chris and wish him well but will follow Terry

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