The BBC will celebrate Sir Terry Wogan on the 50th anniversary of his radio debut for the broadcaster.
‘A Service of Thanksgiving for Sir Terry Wogan’ will take place at Westminster Abbey on September 27, the 50th anniversary of when Terry began broadcasting on the BBC with ‘Light Programme’.
Terry, 77, passed away in January following a "short but brave" battle with cancer and fellow celebrities and heads of state rushed to pay tribute to him.
Ireland’s President Michael D. Higgins said in a statement: "I have heard with sadness of the death of Terry Wogan, one of the great figures of broadcasting.
"His was a distinguished contribution to television and in particular to the medium of radio.
"People in Ireland will remember his early career in Irish broadcasting. On his move to Britain his voice became one of the most often quoted, favourite radio voices.
"Always proud of his origins in Limerick, he made many returns to his native country for television and radio projects."
And Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "My thoughts are with Terry Wogan’s family. Britain has lost a huge talent – someone millions came to feel was their own special friend.
"I grew up listening to him on the radio and watching him on tv. His charm and wit always made me smile."
Dermot O’Leary took to Twitter to write: "Sir Terry. Just the most warm hearted, generous, funny, clever, life affirming man. Part of the foundations of @BBCRadio2 so very sad" while Nick Grimshaw tweeted: "So sad to hear about Sir Terry, what a man! Funny, sharp, warm, inspiring and so much fun to be around. We’ll miss him. rest in peace."
The Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes said: "Such a sad day today. The loss of such a legend…had the pleasure of being around such a warm welcoming person. Such a inspiration.." while fellow Irish TV presenter Graham Norton wrote: "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 9."
Piers Morgan added: "RIP Sir Terry Wogan. One of the greatest broadcasters who ever lived. Such sad news. There are great TV broadcasters & great radio broadcasters. Terry Wogan was the greatest TV & Radio broadcaster. A legend of all airwaves."
Terry – who was born in Limerick, Ireland – is survived by his wife Helen, whom he married in 1965, four children and five grandchildren.
BBC tribute to Terry Wogan
