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.”