Wogan quits live on air

Terry Wogan's radio show will be taken over by Chris EvansÂ…

11:47 07 September 2009

Sir Terry Wogan shocked fans when he announced live on air that he intends to quit radio's most popular show.

Wogan, 71, concluded Monday's Wake Up to Wogan show by revealng that Chris Evans will be replacing him in the Breakfast slot later this year.

The former Eurovision host said: "This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my broadcasting career, to say goodbye to you in the mornings

"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."

Wogan then told how he was happy to hand over the show to his 'friend' Chris Evans, and went on to announce plans for a brand new programme.

He said: "In the new year, I'll be starting a really exciting new show, live from the BBC Radio Studio at Broadcasting House in front of you, as my live audience, presenting the very pinnacle of live music, artists, guests, and of course, you, your mail, your warmth, your wit.

"So, this is not goodbye, it's not even au revoir... As they used to say when I was a lad 'See you later alligator... in a while, crocodile'."

Wake Up to Wogan is the UK's most popular breakfast radio show with 7.93 million each week.

The final edition is expected to be broadcast on 18 December.

Evans previously hosted Radio 1's breakfast show, bowing out in January 1997. He took over Radio 2's drive time show in April 2006.