Terry Wogan ‘totally spoiled’ Eurovision, claims Swedish producer Sir Terry Wogan’s gently mocking Eurovision Song Contest commentary was the show’s saving grace for many British viewers. But not everyone […]

Sir Terry Wogan’s gently mocking Eurovision Song Contest commentary was the show’s saving grace for many British viewers. But not everyone feels the same

The producer of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest has claimed that Sir Terry Wogan “totally spoiled” the event with his sarcastic commentary.

Christer Bjorkman has claimed that the late broadcaster created a generation of Britons who dismissed the show as irrelevant and “kitsch”.

In comments published in the Daily Mirror that were made at Polar Talks London, Mr Bjorkman said “Terry Wogan himself” was the reason Eurovision is seen as frivolous entertainment in the UK:

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“He did this for 28 years and his commentary always forced the mockery side and there is a grown-up generation in Britain that doesn’t know anything better. He raised a generation of viewers believing this was a fun, kitsch show that had no relevance whatsoever.”

The veteran Irish presenter, who died in January aged 77 after a short battle with cancer, first fronted the BBC’s Eurovision coverage in 1971. He was succeeded in 2009 by fellow Irishman Graham Norton.

Here, in defence of Sir Terry, are just five of his greatest Eurovision quotes:

On the Danish hosts in 1997:

On Germany’s 1995 entry:

On Iceland’s 1999 entry:

On 2006 winners Lordi:

On the Eurovision Song Contest in 1997:

But despite his barbs, Sir Terry told the BBC in 2008:

‘I love the Eurovision Song Contest and it will continue long after I’m gone. Just please don’t ask me to take it seriously’