I'M so sad to be writing about the death of yet another showbiz legend this week.
Broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan has lost a short battle with cancer, aged 77.
The weeknight chat show Wogan was a must-watch in our house growing up. How we roared with laughter at the antics of an inebriated George Best and shell suit wearing David Icke, who claimed he was the son of God! Only such a skilled interviewer with natural wit and charm could have got away with some of the more bizarre chats.
He was a big part of millions of listeners lives too as the host of the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show for decades. His more devoted followers, the TOGs, Terry's Old Geezers and Gals, count The Queen among their number.
On a local level, a friend told me she once asked if Sir Terry would mention Naomi House's open day on his show. He went one better and waxed lyrical about the hospice's fabulous work for several minutes and she nearly crashed the car in shock.
Not a single person in the industry seems to have a bad word to say about the man.
I'm sure Sir Terry's family took some comfort in the genuine outpouring of love and affection from colleagues and complete strangers, who considered him a friend.
But I'd like to suggest we celebrate the careers of these wonderful entertainers while they are still alive.
One way to do that would be to re-open the famous big red book and resurrect This Is You Life.
The classic biographical show did once feature Sir Terry back in 1978, although surely an update was well overdue after 38 more years at the top.
The series, hosted by Eamonn Andrews from 1955 to 1987, Michael Aspel from 1987 to 2003 and revived for a one-off special with Sir Trevor McDonald in 2007, was dropped after more than 1,000 episodes.
Only bona fide legends should be surprised with an outing on the show. And Sir Terry would have been the perfect candidate.
Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here
Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here