EUROVISION SONG CONTEST - GRAHAM NORTON TO REPLACE TERRY WOGAN AS EUROVISION HOST

GRAHAM NORTON TO REPLACE TERRY WOGAN AS EUROVISION HOST

Sir Terry Wogan has commentated on his last Eurovision Song Contest, with Graham Norton set to take over in 2009.

The Radio 2 host, 70, had fuelled speculation that he would step down from the annual broadcast earlier this year, after complaining about tactical voting.

And it has now been confirmed that Norton will commentate on next year's Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow.

Sir Terry, 70, admitted he was "sad to leave it all behind".

"I've had 35 wonderful years commentating on the Eurovision for radio and television," he continued.

"From my first, in a small music hall 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.

"Let's hope that between (Norton) and the musical brilliance of Lloyd Webber, Royaume Uni will gather its proper share of 'Douze Points' and bring the Grand Prix home to where it belongs."

Norton, 45, said the chance to host the kitsch event was "a huge honour".

He added: "Sir Terry is nothing less than legend and is an impossible act to follow, but somebody must and I just couldn't say no.

"I can't wait to get to Moscow. With a combination of cheap vodka and a language barrier what could possibly go wrong?"

British participants in the continental event have suffered in recent years, with 2008 entrant Andy Abraham finishing joint last with only 14 points.

Jay Hunt, BBC1 controller, said Sir Terry had "enhanced viewer's enjoyment of Eurovision".