He is as much a part of the Eurovision Song Contest as Boom Bang-a-Bang by Lulu, or Bucks Fizz ripping off their skirts.

However, Sir Terry Wogan's irreverent presentation has been criticised by the man in charge for making the annual event look "ridiculous".

 

Bjorn Erichsen, director of Eurovision television, has claimed that Wogan's commentary is a "problem" which undermines the contest's reputation.

 

The Dane accused the BBC and the British public of failing to treat the extravaganza with the seriousness it "deserved".

 

He said: "The UK has double standards in the contest. It is something you love to hate. It's something to laugh at. It's something continental. It's a scam. It's ridiculous. The British like to distance themselves from it."

 

He said: "Terry Wogan is a problem because he makes it ridiculous. I know he is very popular, and maybe that is the reason why a lot of people watch. But one day he will have to retire and the BBC will have to find someone else. It will be interesting to see if that attitude changes. The BBC gets a very large audience but it chooses to represent the contest in a certain way. They take it far more seriously in Sweden. They have a genuine love and respect for it."

 

Mr Erichsen said he had raised his concerns with the corporation. He spoke out ahead of next week's contest, from May 20 to 24, in Belgrade.

 

Wogan's caustic comments about the songs, the presenters and even the voting are a big hit with viewers, and one reason why the contest has regained the popularity it enjoyed in the Seventies.

 

Last year's show, from Finland, attracted more than 10 million viewers in Britain and in his introduction, the veteran broadcaster jokingly described the event as "the music lover's Hamlet". He then asked: "Who knows what hellish future lies ahead?" before adding: "Actually, I do. I've seen the rehearsals."

 

In 2001, when Denmark was the host, Wogan outraged Danes by describing the presenters, Soren Pilmark and Natasja Crone-Back, as Doctor Death and the tooth fairy.

 

But Wogan and the BBC appear unconcerned by the row. On a BBC website to promote this year's contest, Wogan describes Eurovision as a triumph of musical mediocrity.

 

Cheryl Baker, who was in Bucks Fizz when they won in 1981, said Wogan's approach was key to the contest's success in Britain. She said: "If it wasn't for Terry I don't think people would tune in in the numbers they do."

 

Paul Gambaccini, the rock critic and broadcaster, said: "Terry Wogan's commentary is inseparable from the British public's consumption of Eurovision. We have a particular way of enjoying it."

 

The contest ran into controversy last week when it was alleged that General Franco had bribed voting juries in 1968 to ensure that Spain's entry beat Sir Cliff Richard's Congratulations into second place.

 

Telegraph.co.uk

I never liked Terry Wogan. People find him funny, but I think he just looks like an ass. Thank God I don't have to listen to him on Eurovision night. :P

I completely agree with the chief tbh, Wogan's a right t***, and he's not even that funny these days - it's all just bloody politics with him <_<

And he's more concerned about that than the countries that either blantently vote for their neighbours or always swap their 12s with each other.

He is sounding a bit like a broken record these days, but he can provide moments of chuckleness (new word for you there).

I agree with andre... sometimes he is funny but he does say the same stuff every year... i like the fact that he does take the p*** abit, it makes it more funny to watch.. does he not comentate for ireland even though he is irish? :o

Terry responds...

 

To many people Sir Michael Terence Wogan is the Eurovision Song Contest.

 

But that doesn't mean that our man in the BBC commentary box for the last four decades hasn't ruffled his fair share of Eurovision feathers over the years.

 

Among his many famous quips, who could forget his dubbing of Copenhagen 2001's presenting duo as 'Dr Death and the Tooth Fairy'? Well, not the Danes, whom Terry has joked have banned him from ever returning to their fair country.

 

"People say I take the P out of the contest. And yes I do, but that's the very essence of the thing," Sir Terry says in our exclusive video interview.

 

"But I still love it. I wouldn't do it if I didn't love it. Why else would I traipse all the way to Belgrade for a three and a half hour broadcast?"

 

And Terry says, despite the detractors, his unique commentary style will remain unchanged for this year's contest. Besides, he claims he's only joking.

 

"After all there are people on there doing their best. They don't know they're being foolish."

 

BBC Eurovision

I've never heard terry wogan commentating much but....

 

How is taking the p the essence of Eurovision? The Essence of Eurovision is amazing songs.

 

"To many people Sir Michael Terence Wogan is the Eurovision Song Contest"

 

They make him sound like a god or something <_<

 

Thank Goodness he doesn't commentate for Ireland....I'd prefer Marty whelan anyway.

I have to say I do quite like Wogan. His 2001 commentary was HILARIOUS, and even last year his little comments were great - "fatal's the word" when describing the French entry (Les Fatales Picards) was one that made me laugh. :heehee:

He's just not as funny anymore tbh :(

yea he is not that funny as he used to be

 

"To many people Sir Michael Terence Wogan is the Eurovision Song Contest"

 

They make him sound like a god or something <_<

 

Jo's freely admitted that he was the only reason she watched Eurovision, until I (a fan for 15 years tomorrow) moved in with her.

 

Mind you, he has come up with some bizarre stuff - apparently, "Lane Moje" (SCG 2004) was written by Birgitta Haukdal (Iceland 2003)! And apparently "Razom Nas Bahato, Nas Ne Podolaty" (Ukraine 2005) is the Ukrainian for "Razom Nas Bahato, Nas Ne Podolaty".

Oh yes I remember that bizarre Serbian/Icelandic gaffe in 2004. I didn't understand that at all!