Christer Bjorkman, the producer of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest has hit out at the late Terry Wogan, blaming the presenter for ruining the British public’s attitude towards the annual competition. Bjorkman said that Wogan’s ‘mocking’ commentary, which he provided on the BBC for 28 years, meant that the contest could never be taken seriously in the UK.

Terry WoganThe late Terry Wogan has been accused of ruining the Eurovision’s reputation in the UK.

Appearing in London, Bjorkman was asked why he thought the contest was seen as frivolous in the UK. “There are several reasons, one is Terry Wogan himself,” Bjorkman said (via The Mirror). "He did this for 28 years and his ­commentary always forced the mockery side and there is a grown-up generation in Britain that doesn’t know anything better.”

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“He raised a generation of viewers believing this was a fun kitsch show that had no relevance whatsoever. It totally spoiled Eurovision. Because of what Terry Wogan did, the UK don’t put in their best efforts.”

“But it’s the BBC who wanted him and let him, they did not stop him. He did his best and he did what he did very well, make fun of something, but if I would have been in charge I would never have chosen him,” he added.

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Wogan commentated on the BBC’s Eurovision broadcast every year from 1980 to 2008, before handing over to Graham Norton. This year’s Eurovision final will take place on May 14th, in Stockholm, where the UK will be represented by duo Joe and Jake.