Health concerns for Terry Wogan as Ryan Tubridy fills BBC slot

Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy will be filling some big shoes on BBC Radio 2 tomorrow — the presenter has been confirmed as legendary radio star Terry Wogan’s replacement for the coming weeks.

Wogan, who presents a slot every Sunday, was also due to host annual charity fundraiser Children in Need last night but had to pull out of both engagements due to health concerns.

“First and foremost, I want to wish Terry the best of health. I’ve been an admirer since I was a young boy watching Wogan on the television and more recently listening to him on Radio 2,” said Tubridy.

“I will do my very best to keep his listeners entertained, or at least occupied, for the next couple of weeks until the man himself returns.”

Tubridy will be appearing in Wogan’s slot from 11am to 1pm every Sunday for the next few weeks.

The host has filled in for other BBC presenters in the past, most notably Graham Norton, Chris Evans, and Ken Bruce.

Meanwhile, former X Factor host Dermot O’Leary was called upon to present Children in Need last night instead of Wogan — it is the first time the 77-year-old has pulled out of the event since its launch in 1980.

O’Leary’s fellow presenters included Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton, Nick Grimshaw and Rochelle Humes.

O’Leary said it was “a huge honour” to cover for Wogan, who is one of his “broadcasting heroes”.

“I’d just like to add my best wishes to Sir Terry for a speedy recovery,” he said.

In the meantime, Wogan expressed his regret at missing the “wonderful, inspiring evening” but hoped it would be “another record-breaking year”.

A BBC spokesperson commended the presenter’s passion for Children in Need and wished him “a very speedy recovery”.