Graham Norton paid a moving tribute to the late Sir Terry Wogan at the grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday.
The 60-year-old comedian took over the amusing British commentary on the competition from Sir Terry in 2009 after Sir Terry did the voiceover from 1971 to 2008.
Throughout his professional life, Sir Terry, who died of cancer in 2016 at the age of 77, always poured himself a glass of Baileys Irish Cream on the ninth song of the competition.
Speaking on BBC One, Graham told viewers: “I urge you to lift whatever is in front of you, a glass, a cup, a cup, and toast 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.”
From the heart: Graham Norton, 60, paid a moving tribute to the late Sir Terry Wogan at the grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday
Legendary: The comedian, 60, took over the amusing British commentary on the competition from Sir Terry in 2009 after Sir Terry did the voiceover from 1971 to 2008 (Sir Terry pictured in 2015)
The Swede Loreen sang her song “Tattoo” in the ninth slot. Many viewers took to Twitter to share a few heartfelt words and shared pictures of themselves holding up their drinks in honor.
One person wrote: “Graham Norton is rightly asking the nation to toast Terry Wogan.” What a vote. Excellent on TV, of course also at the Eurovision Song Contest. But for me the king of WiFi. Effortless brilliance from one of the best we’ve seen on this medium. To you, phone.’
Someone else wrote, ‘Remember to toast Terry Wogan for song nine.’ Terry was always pouring himself a Baileys at this point.’
“It’s song number 9 so I raise a glass to the legendary Sir Terry Wogan,” another viewer tweeted.
Another Eurovision fan wrote: “To you Terry Wogan!! Let’s see what 2023 brings – I’m sure you’ll be looking down.”
While another shared, “Song number 9. Definitely not forgetting Terry Wogan.”
Another viewer wrote: “We’re watching #Eurovision and just toasted a glass to #TerryWogan – a legend we miss dearly. Bring on Liverpool!’
Graham appeared on stage at the beginning of the closing ceremony as he joined co-hosts Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina to greet the audience.
Cheers: Many viewers took to Twitter to share some heartfelt words and pictures of themselves holding up their drinks in honor
Special Moment: Sweden’s entry Loreen took the stage in the ninth slot where Sir Terry poured himself a glass of Baileys Irish Cream every year
Hannah said the UK was “very proud” to “take the reins” on behalf of Ukraine and host the event, while Julia thanked the British public.
Norton added, “We’re united, good out here.” But behind the scenes, the competition is fierce.”
Alesha looked glamorous as she wore a one shoulder blue sequin dress while Julia wore a floor length yellow dress with a structured neckline.
Hannah wore a metallic purple strapless dress and Graham wore a black suit with silver detailing.
The grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest kicked off in Liverpool with a parade of flags as countries competed for the coveted Glass Microphone Trophy.
The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance on the piano in a pre-recorded opening video with last year’s winning Kalush Orchestra.
They were also joined by 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder, who played guitar on the roof of the Liver Building while Andrew Lloyd Webber played the piano.
All Stars: Graham (right) appeared on stage at the beginning of the closing ceremony as he greeted the audience along with co-hosts (LR) Alesha Dixon, Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham
Patriotic: The grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest began in Liverpool with a parade of flags with the countries vying for the coveted Glass Microphone Trophy (pictured Britain’s Mae Muller)
In the auditorium, a drum troupe accompanied the Kalush Orchestra onto the stage to open the grand finale, while pyrotechnics lit up the arena.
The Chemical Brothers track “Hey Boy Hey Girl” was played as the finalists’ countries took the stage with their national flags.
Former Ukrainian contestants Go-A, Tina Karol and Jamala, who won for Ukraine in 2016, performed among the contestants.
Britain’s Mae Muller took the stage before the audience witnessed a performance by Verka Serduchka, representing Ukraine in the 2007 competition.
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 “very proud” to “take the reins” on behalf of Ukraine and host the event, while Julia thanked the British public.
Graham added, “We’re united, good out here.” But behind the scenes, the competition is fierce.”
According to the BBC, 26 plays were set to perform at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena to an expected worldwide audience of 160 million.
Dynamic duo: The musical duo Tvorchi, representing Ukraine this year, took the stage at the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 202
Animated: Joker Out of Slovenia featured during the flag ceremony during the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final in Liverpool
Born to perform: Teya and Salena from Austria posed on stage at the start of the grand finale of the 67th annual Eurovision Song Contest
The city is hosting on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, which won the competition last year but is unable to host due to the Russian invasion.
Austria’s Teya and Salena opened the stage with the quirky dance-pop song “Who The Hell Is Edgar?” – about the possession by the ghost of 19th-century Gothic author Edgar Allan Poe.
Mae Muller will close the show with “I Wrote A Song” – a slot that’s widely regarded as a downside.
But they all face stiff competition from previous winner Loreen, representing Sweden, and Kaarija, representing Finland, who are both favorites to win.
Champs: Last year’s winners, the Kalush Orchestra of Ukraine, performed at the start of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest