Chris Evans led tributes to Sir Terry Wogan at a memorial held in his memory in London on Tuesday (27.09.16).
The 50-year-old radio presenter branded the late television legend "the best" in his emotional speech as he marked the 50th anniversary of Terry’s first ever appearance on the small screen at the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Of Sir Terry, who died of cancer at his Buckinghamshire home on January 31, aged 77, Chris said : "He wasn’t the best, he is the best, and he will always be the best."
Chris went on to recall several special memories of Terry – who was best known as the face of the charity ‘BBC Children in Need’ – including choosing to listen to his BBC Radio 2 show when he was a teenager rather than popular BBC Radio 1 because he liked how "uncool" he was.
He said: "I started listening when I was 17. I know I was 17 because it was my first car after I passed my test.
"I suppose I should have been listening to Radio 1, but Terry was livelier, quirkier, cheekier and naughtier, he was happier to be there, he was excited to be there … And he was completely uncool, which I thought was really cool."
Speaking at the event, which was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2, Chris recalled having dinner with the late star who offered him advice on his BBC Radio 1 job.
He recalled: "He look at me and said, ‘It’s very simple. They either like you or they don’t. Of course he was exactly right."
A host of stars attended the service including Joanna Lumley and DJ Ken Bruce, while Peter Gabriel, the original singer in Genesis, performed ‘That’ll Do’ and singer/songwriter Katie Melua sang her heart out to ‘The Closest Thing To Crazy’.
Terry’s children, Alan, Mark and Katherine, also attended the emotional ceremony and read prayers.
Chris Evans: Sir Terry Wogan will always be the best
