Terry Wogan’s warm and gentle style provided the bedrock for Children in Need for more than three decades as it amassed hundreds of millions of pounds for charities.
Despite his advancing years, he fronted the gruelling six-and-a-half hour telethon for 35 years alongside an ever-changing supporting cast of household stars.
His ever-present record only ended in November when surgery on his back saw him drop out at the last minute on the advice of doctors, to be replaced by Dermot O’Leary.
Sir Terry was a trustee of the Children in Need charity for many years, before becoming its life president in November 2010.
Children in Need’s chief executive David Ramsden said: “ Terry Wogan has been at the heart of the charity for over 30 years raising millions to change the lives of children.
“We have lost a wonderful friend and we will miss him so much. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Gaby Roslin, who co-presented Children in Need alongside Sir Terry for more than a decade, tweeted about her sadness on her colleague’s passing.
What would become Terry’s final show as a presenter in 2014 saw it raise a then record total of more than £32 million.
The star-studded marathon effort featured One Direction, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and the cast of EastEnders.
He presented alongside a younger generation of BBC stars including Tess Daly, Nick Grimshaw and Rochelle Humes from the pop group The Saturdays – who paid their respects on social media.
Discover more from London Glossy Post
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
