Terry Wogan dead: The iconic broadcaster's sign-off for his last Radio 2 show was utterly heartbreaking

'I am not going to pretend that this is not a sad day - you can probably hear it in my voice'

Terry Wogan (Getty)

Veteran Broadcaster Terry Wogan has died from cancer at the age of 77, with fans paying to tribute to the radio presenter on social media.

Wogan’s final time hosting his BBC Radio 2 show was in December 2009, at the time leaving hundreds of listeners upset that his iconic and comforting voice would no longer be broadcast every morning.

The saddest moment of the show was, of course, his final message to listeners, thanking them for years of support. Listening back is an even sadder occasion. Watch Wogan read his final message below.

His message in full: “This is it, then. This is the day I have been dreading - the inevitable morning when you and I come to the parting of the ways, the last Wake Up To Wogan.

It wasn't always thus. For the first 12 years it was the plain old Terry Wogan Show and you were all Twits, the Terry Wogan is Tops Society.

When I returned to the bosom of our family, it became Wake Up To Wogan and you all became TOGs, Terry's Old Geezers and Gals.

It's always been a source of enormous pride to me that you have come together in my name, that you are proud to call yourself my listeners, that you think of me as a friend, someone that you are close enough to laugh with, to poke fun at and occasionally, when the world seemed just a little too cruel, to shed a tear with.

And the years together with you have not only been a pleasure but a privilege. You have allowed me to share your lives with you. When you tell me how important I have been in your lives it's very moving. You have been every bit as important in mine.

We have been though at least a couple of generations together, for many of you - your children, like mine, now have children of their own. And your support for Children In Need has been consistent and magnificent. You've baked the bakes, you've held the quizzes, you've sold the calendars, you've packed the CDs and the DVDs. You've answered the phones - always there when we've called on you, unheralded and unsung. And if anybody embodies the generous, warm spirit of this country it's you, my listeners.

I am not going to pretend that this is not a sad day - you can probably hear it in my voice. I am going to miss the laughter and the fun of our mornings together. I know you are going to welcome Chris Evans with the same generosity of spirit that you have always shown me.

So, I am going to miss you, until we are together again in February, have a happy Christmas.

Thank you, thank you for being my friend.”

The news of Terry Wogan’s death was announced by Bob Shennan, the controller of Radio 2, who said: “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.”

Throughout his life, Wogan not only hosted his Radio 2 shows, but also Eurovision and Children in Need. Read our full coverage here.