Sir Terry Wogan dies, aged 77

In a statement, Wogan's family said: "Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer.

"He passed away surrounded by his family. While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time."

Born in Limerick, Ireland, Sir Terry had a 50-year long career on radio and television, including presenting the ery popular Wake up to Wogan on BBC Radio 2 or the Wogan chat show.

Sir Terry Wogan was the British voice of the Eurovision Song Contest for many years, first providing the BBC Radio commentary in 1971 and television commentary every year from 1980 until he stood down in 2008. Terry also co-presented the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest alongside Ulrika Jonsson. He had also been involved in the BBC's UK charity Children in Need since it began, where he helped raise hundreds of millions of pounds for the good cause, one of his proudest achievements. Over the years he also presented the UK's national selection, famously announcing the wrong winner by accident in 2007.

Public condolences

Since the news of his death, social media platforms have been filled with condolences from prominent public figures. BBC director general Tony Hall said: "Terry truly was a national treasure" and the BBC Radio director, Helen Boaden, stated: "Sir Terry was a radio legend."

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "My thoughts are with Terry Wogan's family. Britain has lost a huge talent, someone millions came to feel was their own special friend." And folllowed: "I grew up listening to him on the radio and watching him on TV. His charm and wit always made me smile."

Wogan's successor in the BBC's commentary box at the Eurovision Song Contest, Graham Norton, said: "He made it seem effortless and for a young boy in Ireland he made it seem possible. RIP Sir Terry Wogan. I’ll raise a glass during song nine."

Famous quotes 

Sir Terry Wogan provided viewers with many amusing moments over the years. Here are some of his famous lines:

• Every year I expect it to be less foolish, and every year it is more so (commenting on the winner in 2006)
• It’s Dr Death and the Tooth Fairy (reference to the presenters in 2001) 
• I hope the mesh in those stockings passed EU regulations (following Iceland’s performance in 1997)
• They’ve got a knockabout sense of humour, the Swedes (referring to Lil Lindfors, presenter in 1985)
• That dress promised more than it delivered (comments after Switzerland’s performance in 1998)

What was your favourite comment from Sir Terry Wogan?