Wogan forgoes 'Children In Need' fee

Terry Wogan has decided to forgo his fee for presenting this year's Children In Need televised charity event, after he was criticised for obtaining payment for it.

The presenter was paid £10,340 last year for fronting the programme, which rose up from his 2005 fee of £9,065.

When Wogan's fee was publicised, he insisted that he had "never asked for a fee and would quite happily do it for nothing".

The Radio DJ, who has been paid for presenting the annual show since 1980, also spoke out about his BBC employers' wasting money on overpaid hosts in the past.

Wogan's recent co-presenters Natasha Kaplinsky and Fearne Cotton were not paid for their duties, but now it has been revealed that he will also waive his fee.

Internal BBC magazine Ariel said: "Terry Wogan will waive his fee for fronting the BBC Children In Need telethon."

A spokesperson said: "None of the presenters will be receiving a fee for presenting this year's Children In Need appeal show.

"Terry had said he... would gladly do it for nothing.

"Children In Need has never paid the fee to Terry Wogan. It is paid for by the BBC and does not come from the funds of the BBC Children In Need Telethon."

Tonight's event will include comeback performances from the Spice Girls via a video link from the States, Boyzone and Kylie Minogue.