Eurovision: Graham Norton pays moving tribute to late Sir Terry Wogan

Graham Norton paid a moving tribute to the late Sir Terry Wogan during the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday.

The comedian, 60, took over as amusing British commentary on the match from Sir Terry in 2009, after Sir Terry did the voice-over from 1971 to 2008.

During his years on the job, Sir Terry, who died of cancer aged 77 in 2016, always poured himself a glass of Baileys Irish Cream during the ninth issue of the competition.

During the broadcast on BBC One, Graham told viewers, “I would request that you raise all that is in front of you, a glass, a cup, a mug, and raise a toast to the memory of the late great Sir Terry Wogan.”

‘The man who was and always will be the voice of the Eurovision Song Contest’, before adding: ‘Sir Terry.’

Sweden’s Loreen performed her song Tattoo in the ninth slot, with many viewers taking to Twitter to share heartfelt words of their own and photos of themselves holding up their drinks in tribute.

One person wrote, “Graham Norton rightly asks the nation to raise a glass to Terry Wogan. What a voice. Brilliant on television, including the Eurovision Song Contest of course. But for me, king of radio. Effortless brilliance of some of the best we’ve ever known on that medium. To you, Tel.’

Someone else wrote: ‘Don’t forget to toast Terry Wogan at number nine. Terry always poured himself a Baileys at that point.”

“It’s number nine so I raise my glass to the legendary Sir Terry Wogan,” another viewer tweeted.

Another Eurovision fan wrote: ‘This is for you Terry Wogan!! Let’s see what 2023 has in store – I’m sure you’re looking down.’

While someone else shared: “Song number 9. Don’t forget Terry Wogan.”

Another viewer wrote: ‘Watching #Eurovision and we just raised a glass to #TerryWogan – a legend and much missed. Bring on Liverpool!’

Graham appeared on stage at the start of the closing ceremony as he welcomed viewers alongside co-hosts Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina.

Hannah said the UK was ‘so very proud’ to ‘take the reins’ and host on behalf of Ukraine, while Julia thanked the British public.

Norton added: ‘United we are, right here. But backstage the competition is fierce.’

Alesha looked glamorous as she wore a one-shoulder blue sequin dress, while Julia wore a long yellow dress with a structured neckline.

Hannah wore an off-shoulder purple metallic dress and Graham wore a black suit with silver details.

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest started in Liverpool with a flag parade with the countries competing for the coveted glass microphone trophy.

The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance playing the piano in a pre-recorded opening video featuring last year’s winners, the Kalush Orchestra.

They were also joined by Sam Ryder, runner-up in 2022, playing guitar on top of the Liver Building with Andrew Lloyd Webber on piano.

In the auditorium, a group of drummers joined the Kalush Orchestra on stage to open the grand finale as fireworks lit up the arena.

The Chemical Brothers song Hey Boy Hey Girl was played as the countries taking part in the final began to walk onto the stage with their national flags.

Former Ukrainian contestants Go-A, Tina Karol and Jamala, who won for Ukraine in 2016, performed in between contestants.

Britain’s Mae Muller walked onto the stage before treating the crowd to a performance by Verka Serduchka, who competed for Ukraine in 2007.

Graham Norton welcomed viewers to the finale along with co-hosts Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina.

Hannah said the UK was ‘so very proud’ to ‘take the reins’ and host on behalf of Ukraine, while Julia thanked the British public.

Graham added: ‘United we are, well here. But backstage the competition is fierce.’

According to the BBC, twenty-six would perform at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool to an expected global audience of 160 million viewers.

The city is hosting on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, which won last year’s contest but is unable to host due to the Russian invasion.

The Austrians Teya and Salena were the first on stage with the quirky dance-pop song Who The Hell Is Edgar? – about being possessed by the ghost of 19th century Gothic author Edgar Allan Poe.

Mae Muller closes out the show with I Wrote A Song – a slot that is generally considered a drawback.

But they all face stiff competition from previous winner Loreen, representing Sweden, and Kaarija, representing Finland, both favorites to win.