Sir Terry Wogan: Alan Titchmarsh pays tribute to broadcasting legend and friend

Alan Titchmarsh has paid tribute to his friend and colleague Sir Terry Wogan. The ex-Ground Force host said the shock of Sir Terry's sudden death has made him re-evaluate his own life.

The pair became good friends after meeting on Wogan in 1985. 20 years later Terry was a guest on The Alan Titchmarsh Show.

"Terry was a lovely man," he said. "He was a one-off and I miss him hugely. I kept visitors' books when I was doing my chats. The day after I heard of Terry's death I searched for his page. He'd written some lovely things. He was the kindest man.

The TV host and gardener who is ­hosting the new ITV hour-long daytime quiz Masterpiece With Alan Titchmarsh, said he wants to live life to the full. "It's been a rotten start to 2016 – with the loss of David Bowie, Alan Rickman and now Terry . It makes you value your own life even more. It makes you realise you don't know what's waiting for you around the corner," added the 66-year-old.

The veteran broadcaster died on 31 January, aged 77. He was surrounded by his family "after a short but brave battle with cancer", a statement said.

Fans and friends of the star including Sir Ian Botham, Chris Evans, Richard Madeley, Eammon Holmes and Phillip Schofield have expressed their shock at the news of his passing. Prime Minister David Cameron described Sir Terry as "someone millions came to feel was their own special friend".

Dame Esther Rantzen has called for a permanent memorial to be erected at the BBC in honour of Sir Terry. The presenter said a statue of the TV and radio personality would be a fitting tribute.

His funeral took place in the presence of family and close friends. The private service on 9 February was low-key, in keeping with the family's requests for privacy.