Sir Terry Wogan’s long-running talk show Wogan ended on this day in 1992 (July 3) but his last will and testament appears to have had its fair share of drama.
The beloved BBC presenter is believed to have had a large network but when his will was made public, many were shocked to discover a sum of just £1.04 million.
Terry became a national treasure for his work on TV and radio, including Wogan which hosted huge stars including Ronnie Barker and George Best.
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However, the world of entertainment was left devastated when Sir Terry died in 2016, with fans and fellow stars paying tribute to the inspirational presenter.
From Blankety Blank to The Eurovision Song Contest, and his long-running radio programme, Terry is believed to have made around £20 million over the course of his career.
We take a look into his last months and his will..
Health battle
(Image: Getty Images)
Sir Terry Wogan died on January 31, 2016 at the age of 77 years old, after the star was diagnosed with cancer.
A statement released by his family following his death said: “Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer.
“He passed away surrounded by his family. While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time.”
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Fans and stars from the world of entertainment paid tribute to the beloved radio and TV icon, with Graham Norton – who took over from Terry Wogan as the Eurovision commentator – saying in a tweet: “He made it seem effortless and for a young boy in Ireland he made it seem possible. RIP Sir Terry Wogan.”
Fellow radio DJ Tony Blackburn also added: “”He was part of our lives, a real radio legend. He loved what he was doing and he gave an enormous amount of pleasure.”
His Children In Need co-host Tess Daley also paid tribute to Sir Terry, saying in a statement: “So, so sad at the news Sir Terry has passed away. He was the funniest, kindest man, it was a huge privilege to work with him & a joy to know him.”
Net worth
(Image: Popperfoto/Getty Images)
Sir Terry Wogan was one of radio and TV’s most beloved presenters, hosting his long-running BBC Radio 2 programme, as well as providing the commentary for The Eurovision Song Contest.
He also wrote a number of books, as well as co-hosting charity programmes including Children In Need, and presenting his long-running Wogan talk show – in addition to game shows such as Blankety Blank.
In 2006, Sir Terry Wogan was also reported to be the BBC’s highest-paid radio presenter, earning over £800,000 per year.
(Image: PA)
It is no surprise then that the star was reportedly worth over £20m from his long and successful broadcasting career.
However, when he died, details of the will were made public at a district registry in Hampshire, revealing that Sir Terry only left a net estate worth of over £1.04m.
His last will and testament stated that his estate was to be divided between his wife Lady Helen Wogan and their three children – Alan, Mark and Katherine.
Inheritance tax bill claims
(Image: PA)
Although it was revealed that Sir Terry only had a £1.04m net estate worth when details of his will were made public, the will did not include other assets in his estate.
These included a 12-acre country estate in Buckinghamshire and a holiday home in Gascony, France, worth over £1m – with Sir Terry estimated to have an eye-watering net worth of over £20m before his death.
It has been reported that the star may have transferred assets to another family member or to a trust before his death, although it has not been confirmed.
However, a solicitor told Mail Online that he may have been advised to do so early on in his career due to inheritance tax liability.
(Image: PA)
Elizabeth Young, Partner at Law Firm Roythornes at the time of Sir Terry’s death, said: “He may well have taken advice early on in his career when it first because clear that his estate would face an inheritance tax liability, and embarked on a range of tax planning steps to ensure his estate fell below the taxable limits.
“This might have included placing assets in Helen’s name, or transferring assets to his children or grandchildren, or placing assets for their benefit in to a range of possible trusts.
“Knowing what we do of the man you would expect that he took good advice and followed clear legal routes to secure the estate with as little liability to tax to benefit those he loved the most in the world.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
