Veteran BBC broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan has died aged 77, after a short illness, his family has confirmed.

In a statement, they said: “Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer.

“He passed away surrounded by his family. While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time.”

BBC director general Tony Hall said: “Terry truly was a national treasure.”

Sir Terry leaves wife Helen and their three children. The couple also had a daughter who died in infancy.

Sir Terry was last on air on BBC Radio 2 just under three months ago and days later was forced to pull out of presenting Children In Need at the last minute due to health issues.

Sir Terry Wogan with Pudsey the bear in 2008

Sir Terry, whose career spanned more than four decades, was known for his work on his BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, Children In Need and the Eurovision Song Contest.