Blast from the past: The voice of Eurovision - the late, great, Sir Terry Wogan

For many of us the kitsch, musical extravaganza that is the Eurovision Song Contest, has never been the same since the late broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan hung up his mic in 2008.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
By Helen McGurk
Published 12th May 2023, 15:47 GMT
Updated 12th May 2023, 16:21 GMT

​Wogan with his risqué jokes, sharp one-liners, grudging praise and knack for saying what everyone at home was thinking, was what made the Eurovision, with its dreadful songs and absurd costumes, worth watching.

There were many memorable Wogan Eurovision moments. Introducing the 2007 contest from Finland he said: “Who knows what hellish future lies ahead? Actually, I do. I’ve seen the rehearsals.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

During his tenure, the Limerick-born broadcaster would never tired of jokingly insinuating Eurovision was awash with voting cartels, about as close to a free exercise in democracy as a general election in North Korea.

For many, the late Sir Terry Wogan defined the Eurovision Song ContestFor many, the late Sir Terry Wogan defined the Eurovision Song Contest
For many, the late Sir Terry Wogan defined the Eurovision Song Contest

With his combination of barbed jokes and flagrant pro-UK bias, Wogan recommended Eurovision be enjoyed with the help of a stiff drink.

He used to wait “until maybe song 11” before pouring himself a drink – traditionally a glass of Bailey’s Irish Cream with ice – in the commentary box, but in later years he found “the drinking got earlier and earlier” to cope with the ridiculousness of what he called Eurovision’s “triumph of appalling taste”.

​

​

​

Related topics:Terry WoganFinlandNorth Korea