Terry Wogan dies aged 77

  • 31/01/2016
Irish-born broadcaster Terry Wogan holds his Officer of the Order of the British Empire award at Buckingham Palace in 2005 (Reuters)
Irish-born broadcaster Terry Wogan holds his Officer of the Order of the British Empire award at Buckingham Palace in 2005 (Reuters)

British television and radio personality Terry Wogan died of cancer aged 77 on Sunday (local time), his family said.

Irish-born Wogan, one of the BBC's most recognizable faces and voices, was granted a British knighthood in 2005.

"Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer. He passed away surrounded by his family," a statement on behalf of his family said.

Wogan began his broadcasting career with Irish state broadcaster RTE before joining the BBC in 1966. He went on to become a national institution as a disc jockey, chat show host and presenter, known for his gently mocking wit and Irish brogue.

He hosted the BBC's coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest from 1980 to 2008.

Reuters