A star host and a host of stars
MARION McMULLEN recalls how chat show Wogan proved a ratings winner with viewers 40 years ago
SIR TERRY WOGAN’S golden rule of broadcasting was: “Get on your toes, keep your wits about you, say goodnight politely when it’s over, go home and enjoy your dinner.”
The Limerick-born broadcaster’s chat show Wogan began on BBC 1 on May, 4, 1982, and over the next 10 years he fronted nearly 1,000 celebrity-packed episodes.
Paula Yates joined him as cohost on the first Tuesday night offering when Terry’s guests were Sir Bruce Forsyth, West End star Elaine Paige and graffiti expert Nigel Rees.
The chat show was later broadcast three nights a week at 7pm and attracted Hollywood film stars like Charlton Heston, Kirk Douglas, Sylvester Stallone and Shirley MacLaine.
Colbys actress Stephanie Beacham joined Terry in the studio in 1986 and the Duke Of Edinburgh was his royal guest later the same year.
There were many memorable moments. Footballer George Best turned up drunk for his interview and Ronnie Barker announced his retirement from showbusiness live on air. He had made the decision two years earlier but up until his TV appearance the only other person who knew was his comedy partner Ronnie Corbett.
Madonna was the star guest in 1991, but Terry’s most memorable TV interview that year was arguably with former BBC sports presenter David Icke.
Icke arrived in a turquoise and pink shell suit and confidently claimed to be the son of God as he hectored his host with bizarre conspiracy theories.
As the studio audience broke into laughter, Terry told his guest: “They’re laughing at you, not with you.
“I didn’t mean that to be hurtful. I don’t want you to misinterpret it, they’re not laughing in sympathy with you.”
‘Son of God’ David Icke got a
AS days lengthen and birds sing, it feels like a good time to plan some family adventures. And wherever you head in the South West, the National Trust has something for everyone to enjoy – whether escaping to an island, ‘storming’ castle walls or setting off along family bike trails through the woods...
BROWNSEA ISLAND
Down in Dorset, start by taking the short ferry ride to Brownsea Island from Poole Quay. Once you reach the island, head for the natural play area where kids can try and match the agility of the resident red squirrels when climbing frames, beams and seesaws.
CORFE CASTLE
Towering over the spectacular Purbeck landscape in Dorset, Corfe Castle reveals more than 1,000 years of history – with dark and daring tales of feuding Normans and Civil War heroines. After a bit of exploring, refuel at the tearoom or lay out a picnic and soak up the views.
KINGSTON LACY
Inland at Kingston Lacy, bike or walk along the three-mile woodland trail, stopping off at the play area, or maybe opt for the shorter 1.5-mile route – both are dog, buggy and adapted wheelchair-friendly. Picnic on the south lawn, stroll through the Japanese and Kitchen Garden or those with more energy can stride out into the parkland.