Michael about Terry Wogan

~ Chris Middleton for Radio Times - 13/08/2008 ~

Why is Terry Wogan the godfather of the airwaves?
The fact he's still alive.

When did you first become aware of him?
Blankety Blank. I always wondered why he had that ridiculous microphone. He was just very funny, not like any other game-show host. He wasn't cheesy-just very dry.

What quality makes him unique?
That he's still alive.

Have you had memorable encounters?
Terry and I go way back. I was our sole representative for Eurovision in 1992, so I went on Wogan to preview all eight songs. Then we did a special together where song was chosen. So I got to know him very well. Also his debentures for the rugby at Twickenham are directly behind my dad's, we'd meet there regularly. We'd bring the booze, he'd bring the cigars. And Mark [his son] was a production assistant on my TV show.

What have you learn't from him?
Longevity, I'm still alive, just. Seriously he's unique. you can't take anything away from him. If I tried to copy his whimsy on my radio 2 show, I'd fall flat on my face. Only he can get away with his style of broadcasting. You can admire it and you can wish that you could emulate it but Terry is inimitable.

Any favourite Terry moments or memories?
When he got the name wrong in the Eurovision heats last year of the Uk's winning entry.Fearne Cotton announced one person, he announced the other. I don't think he found it very funny. And watching him squirm when George Best was drunk on his chat show.

What question would you like to ask him?
How did he manage to persuade such a beautiful and extraordinary women as Helen to marry him?
Michael Ball's Sunday Brunch radio 2