Sir Terry Wogan passes away aged 77 after 'short but brave' battle with cancer

Terry Wogan, one of Britain’s most beloved broadcasters, has passed away at the age of 77 after battling cancer. The news was confirmed by his family on 31 January.

In a statement, they said: "Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer.

"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."

Leading the tributes, BBC director general Tony Hall said: "Terry truly was a national treasure. Today we've lost a wonderful friend. He was a lovely, lovely man and our thoughts are with his wife and family.

"At the centre of Children In Need since its beginning he raised hundreds of millions of pounds and changed so many lives for the better. He leaves a remarkable legacy."

The terribly sad news comes just two months after Terry pulled out of Children in Need due to health reasons. It was the first time he had not hosted the BBC show since its launch in 1980.