HOW SIR TERRY WOGAN BOWED OUT WITH 8.1M LISTENERS

The average number of listeners for Wake Up To Wogan was 8.1 million from October to December last year. It leaves successor Chris Evans, 43, with a tough act to follow.

Sir Terry, 71, had built up a devoted following over 27 years and some of his Togs – Terry’s Old Geezers and Gals – remain to be convinced of Evans’ ability to fill his shoes. The figures, released yesterday by broadcasting body Rajar, put Wogan nearly one million listeners ahead of Radio 1 breakfast rival Chris Moyles at the end of 2009.

Tim Davie, the BBC’s director of audio and music, said: “These figures show his popularity has never been higher.”

Sir Terry will return to the station on February 14 with a new 11am Sunday music show called Weekend Wogan.