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Terry Wogan's cult following was in mourning today after he announced live on air his departure from his breakfast show on Radio 2.
His army of fans known as TOGs (Terry's Old Geezers or Gals) called him a “national treasure” and said he would be greatly missed when he steps down from Wake Up To Wogan at the end of the year.
The 71-year-old's place will be taken by Chris Evans, who presents the Drivetime show on the station.
Norman Macintosh, a leading TOG from Newport, South Wales, said: “He's probably the best radio presenter going — he is just a consummate professional. It feels as though he's been around for ever and in that time he has become a national treasure.”
Mr Macintosh, 55, who helps run a charity calendar for TOGs, said of Evans: “Chris is a totally different person and hopefully we can have the same relationship with him.”
But another TOG said on the Radio 2 message board: “What a disaster it will be to lose Wogan in the mornings and worse still to get Chris Evans, who is OK if a little childish at drivetime but would be terrible to wake up to.”
Another fan wrote that bringing in Evans was a “mistake”.
Wogan broke the news to his eight million listeners just after this morning's 8am news bulletin.
He said: “Now, if you'll pardon me, I've a little bit of news of my own.
“If the mail is anything to go by, most of the listening population have spotted a report that next year I'm going to turn into Chris Evans. And I hate to tell you, but it's true. I was hoping to break it to you, my loyal listener, more gently.
“I wanted to be the first to tell you. It's the least I owe you, for endless years, countless hours of morning companionship, friendship, good humour, and laughter. Your loyalty and support has been a beacon of love in my life.”
The decision was, said the veteran broadcaster, the hardest of his career. “I'd rather leave while we're in love, as the song says, while the programme is the most popular on British radio, while we still delight in each other's company,” he said.
But Wogan, who has an honorary knighthood, added that he was not quitting the airwaves altogether and had an exciting new show lined up.
Evans said: “Good luck Mr W. I promise I will do my utmost not to let you and your listeners down.”
Reader views (36)
I hate, loather & detest Chris Evans! when he took over from Johnny Walker on he drive time show I stopped listening, I switch off my radio as soon as he starts, whether I'm at home or in my car. I shall not be listening to that ghastly irritating little ginger haired cretin when he takes over from the much loved Terry Woagan. What are the BBC thinking of? he's not in the same league as Terry and certainly not at all right to take over his show! what will I do, what station shall I tune into, i really don't know but it won't be BBc2, and I shant be bothered to tune in for the rsdt of the day after the ginger has finnished.....it's bye bye bbc2 for me. Anyone, Anyone would be better than Chris Evans. Please somebody do something, get the BBc to ask it's listeners what they want instead of telling them what their getting!
- Caroline Williams, Stevenage, herts., 19/11/2009 15:25
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Sad to lose Terry (but at least I won't have to reapply my mascara before I leave for the office). Chris Evans has turned out well as a replacement for Johnnie on "drive time" but NOT in the morning. Simon Mayo - like watching paint dry. Keep Chris at Drive Time and give us all what we really want - Johnnie at breakfast time.
- Anon, wimborne, dorset, 16/10/2009 00:18
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Aled Jones! You really want to LISTEN to paint dry? Terry did a good job and now he's moving on. Chris Evans will do a good job regardless of whether you listen or not.
- David Styles, Stamford, 24/09/2009 07:46
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I am absolutely gutted that Terry is leaving the Breakfast Slot - I can't put the radio on until that awful Sarah Kennedy has finished as she is so incredibly annoying and blood curdling! Terry starts the day off for me and for millions with charm a sense of humour, a quick witted banter and the "chat" with the rest of the team is superb - I often arrive at work needing to rearrange my makeup from crying with laughter. The disregard for today's PC society is a lovely breath of fresh air and should be replicated by all. I dread him being on holiday but this news is sad for many, many people but we all wish you well Terry and thank you and all the team for the fun and laughter.
- Sarah, Rugby, Rugby, 24/09/2009 06:46
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A sad day !! from laid back charm.....to immature childishness....drivetime is barely worth listening to !!!
Is there no one else ? Top radio show because of the style of the presenter...now watch the ratings slip
- Jeff, london, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Contrary to what it says, twice, in the report, Sir Terry Wogan does not have an honourary knighthood it is the full monty.
- Joe Lehane, Orpington England, 24/09/2009 06:46
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I'll probably listen for half an hour,i can't stand Evans any longer,Hey but thats half hour more than Sarah Kennedy
- Les, Leicester, 24/09/2009 06:46
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please terry do not go there is no one who can replace you.you.. are the greatest.
- Ray Scott, high wycombe, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Goodbye BBC 2 Breakfast. Is Chris Evans the best the BBC could find? He drives me mad. A pain in the neck.
- Albert Hall, hove england, 24/09/2009 06:46
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The last thing this Nation wants to wake up to, is an immature person with a childish voice!
- Mike, Newbury UK, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Wogan is a good entertainer but its doubtful he was ever worth the obscene amount of money he receives,Evans on the other hand is a gormless pillock,lacking in charm,irritating and grossly overpaid by us,- to annoy us !,-kill the licence fee now,and in the meantime switch off the radio.
- Aufdeutsch, Canterbury Communist Britain, 24/09/2009 06:46
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First we have the banks go down the pan then recession hits and we are all in 'gloom & doom' except Sir Terry who has given me pleasure every morning for a long long time despite whats happening in the world about us.. His Janet & John slot alone is priceless.
He really will be a hard act to follow and although I like Chris Evans in the evening, NOT first thing in the morning.
- Gerard, Adderbury, Oxfordshire, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Being a radio presenter, I know what it's like to move from Drive to Breakfast and break my back to convince listeners they'll enjoy what I do. I think Evans is a great entertainer and I think it's narrow minded for people to say 'I'll swtich off when Wogan leaves'. Just give Evans a chance - for at least a week. I guarantee those who do, a LOT of them will stick with him after realising that things aren't so bad.
- Shak, London, 24/09/2009 06:46
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I had to pull over and grab a tissue when I heard this sad news this morning.I feel as though the BBC want to hurt General Public and all her troops and to heap on more Pain they Repalce Sir T with a plonker! Why no Aled Jones or shock over shock a lady DJ Liza Tarbuck is fantastic in the morning and she's a good time keep,she could get to the studio come rain or shine.|\\so please please BBC rethink Sir T's replacement before you loose every listen in the morning.
God bless all who have sailed in the SS Sir T.
lets have a public holiday called Sir T day
- Selwyn Channon, epsom, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Please, Please, will someone set up a petition to call upon the BBC to find someone other than Chris Evans? Losing Terry Wogan is tear-jerking but to suffer Chris Evans is an insult.
- Ken Whittaker, newtown, Powys, Wales, 24/09/2009 06:46
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how to loose 4million listeners in one move thats another good move with the tax payers money
- Anon, leicestershire, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Personally I think energetic Chris Evans is much better suited to the drive time slot than first thing in the morning - I would prefer someone who is calm and softly spoken first thing and not someone so bubbly. I hope it won't be The Big Breakfast all over again.
- Isabel, Woking, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Time to turn the radio off then?
Tellie will be next to go when the digital switch comes.
Thats the licence fee saved anyway
- Kedge, wilts, england, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Terry out, Lordy Lordy! But the next one to go must by Sarah Kennedy; total waste of space.
- Ted, London, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Mornings won't be the same without Terry. Like millions of others, I'll stop listening when he leaves. Nothing against Chris Evans, it's just that Terry is the best. Why not get rid of that Kennedy woman? She wouldn't be missed. Aled Jones is far better.
- Jb Sussex, hove sussex uk, 24/09/2009 06:46
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if its a race between the Evans and the Joneses to replace the Irishman then let Terry sleep in peace in the mornings and give us a softly spoken calm Aled Jones!
- Gorfolledd, abercynon wales, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Whilst I hate to see Terry go, perhaps we are being selfish in trying to keep him working. However, to replace him with Chris Evans is a big mistake. Chris is far to ebullient for a breakfast programme. I am gradually reducing my listening time on BBC2 due to the choice of presenters who are self-centred and sometimes offensive.
- Sheila, Shrewsbury, UK, 24/09/2009 06:46
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I've been listening to Tezzer since I was 10 years old.......(I'm now considerably older...!!) and it's very sad that he is going. He is a legend, and a wonderful voice to wake up to.......come rain or shine!! He has been a comfort thru many a sad or dreary morning! However, let us, as his loyal TYGS and TOGS wish him a long and happy retirement.......thank him for all he has been to us and hope he enjoys his "lie-ins"!!! Give Chris Evans a chance.........he's grown and matured a lot in recent years.....he may well surprise us all yet!!!!
- Bondgirl, NEWPORT, IOW, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Give Chris a chance, i thought the same when he replaced Johnny walker but he made it his own, as for Aled jones do me a favour he's where he is LEAVE HIM THERE!!!! Liza Tarbuck is alright she would do the job with a smile while bringing smiles to peoples faces, she's goooood but give him a chance. Terry is an institution we all know that, but he has to finish sometime & like he says now while he's on top,................. time will tell!!
- Dean, Edmonton, Canada, 24/09/2009 06:46
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I only ever listern to Radio2 breakfast when Terry Wogan is not on and Johnie Walker sits in . Now there you have a class act , pity he was either not given the chance or did not want it .
But give Chris Evans the chance he is a radio professional who will use his skills to revitalise and refresh and has shown he can adapt to different audinces . As long as he does that he wll be a success but he will know this is not a repeat of his Radio 1 or Virgin shows although those listerns he had then will certainly tune in in early Jan to see what happens. But there will be no Holly Hot lips or Wheels of steel.
But new ideas and plenty of audience particpation.
- Paul Warner, Waterloville, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Oh well....that'll be millions of pounds of telly tax money going towards a programme loads of people will now stop listening to........another typical out of touch BBC decision protected by shedloads of public money
- Ricky, Hackney, London, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Chris Evans fine for evening Drive Time.Not Mornings.Terry is and has been great.Shame on you BBC another good decision ???How to loose listners in one easy step.
- Colin, dunmow england, 24/09/2009 06:46
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I think it's great news. I'd ditch radio one in a heartbeat to listen to Chris Evans. Good choice.
- Caroline, London, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Surely Terry is leaving because he's 72 and wants to stop getting up very early. Why are commenters assuming the Beeb are slinging him out ? He left once already in the eighties and came back years later.
- Squiz, Islington, 24/09/2009 06:46
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I have never been a fan of Wogan and even less so for Evans.
- Strongbow Sullivan, Paris,France., 24/09/2009 06:46
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We get shot of one muppet,only to have another,Chris Evans,a person who loves to hear his own voice,no thanks.
- Colin, Bristol, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Well, Terry couldn't go on for ever. I understand that as I am his age. BUT, who on earth was allowed to put forward Chris Evans. He's no way a suitable replacement for Wonderful Wogan!!! Send him backl to the illiterate denizens of Radio 1, the idiot channel, and give us Ed Stewart, Aled Jones , or any other of that ilk. Chris EVans!!!!! NO WAY!!! Peoiple will be trampled in the stampede away from Radio 2.
- Ken Whittaker, Newtown Powys wales, 24/09/2009 06:46
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wogan is without equal on radio,his xmas morning show really puts me in the mood,who can take over the reins? smarmy wossy,jolly hockey sticks kennedy,mega bore bruce? answers on a postcard please to...
- Alansimpson, newcastle, 24/09/2009 06:46
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Never have such obscene amounts of public money - we know where you are...it's all in the database - been squandered on such vacuous drivel!
- John, manchester, 24/09/2009 06:46
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What is it about the BBC and its loyalty to boring egotisical man. Clarkson, Evans ect. I will only be listening to Johnie Walker and Sarah Kennedy. Get rid of Evans before he starts the man is boring, he shouts down the mike. Im thoughly sick to death of paying a licence fee to such a sexist instituition any way.
- Pauline, Bournemouth Dorset, 24/09/2009 06:46
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I never see what all the fuss is about with DJ's.
I dont get why anyone would want to listen to them in the first place.
- Al Stuart, ealing, 24/09/2009 06:46
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