After half a year of speculations, the BBC announced officially that Sir Terry Wogan (70) is stepping down as commentator of the Eurovision Song Contest. He will be replaced by Norton Graham (45). The two-times Eurovision Dance Contest host denied rumours earlier this week, but the BBC confirmed the news this morning.
"I've had 35 wonderful years commentating on the Eurovision Song Contest for radio and television. I am sad to leave it all behind," Sir Terry Wogan said to the BBC. "From my first, in a small musichall in Dublin, to my last, in the huge arena in Belgrade, it has been nothing but laughter and fun. The silly songs, the spectacle, the grandiose foolishness of it all." Wogan announced the possibility of stepping down right after the Final of the 2008 contest in Belgrade, after UK contestant Andy Abraham finished last.
Graham Norton, who hosted the first two runnings of the Eurovision Dance Contest together with Claudia Winkleman, described it as "an amazing job and a huge honour," adding that "Sir Terry is nothing less than legend and is an impossible act to follow, but somebody must and I just couldn't say no."
Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One, thanked Sir Terry for his work on the programmes in an article on the BBC news website. "Terry has enhanced viewer's enjoyment of Eurovision for many years," she said. "I am delighted that Graham Norton will now be bringing his wit to bear on this iconic music event."
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