Terry Wogan leaving morning radio program

LONDON, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Veteran Irish broadcaster Terry Wogan has announced he intends to leave BBC Radio 2's morning program "Wake Up to Wogan" at the end of the year.

Wogan, 71, told his listeners Monday the decision to leave the program -- which he served as host of from 1972 to 1984, then again since 1993 -- is "the hardest thing I have ever done."

"It touches me deeply that I've played a part in your lives for, it seems, like generations," Wogan said. "This is not goodbye -- not even au revoir. ... I'd rather leave while I'm in love."

Although Wogan said he plans to return with a new live radio show next year, he did not offer any details about the forthcoming program.

"His unique talent has provided millions of listeners with the soundtrack to their morning," Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan said.

The BBC said radio personality Chris Evans will take over in January. Wogan's last show is slated for broadcast Dec. 18.