I was crying inside over Terry's comments because he's someone I respect

Chris Moyles

Wogan, who presents BBC Radio 2's breakfast show, had said that DJs Chris Moyles and Sara Cox were "in yer face and both sometimes in doubtful taste."

He added: "It is probably reflective of the downward trend in British education."

Moyles first made a measured response on his Monday show, telling listeners: "He doesn't say anything that's wrong.

"In yer face? Yes.

"I'm not bothered, I'm quite impressed he knows who I am."

But as the show progressed Moyles became more forthright, chanting "Terry Wogan, take your wig off" over the record Ante Up by M.O.P. Featuring Busta Rhymes.

Moyles: "This is my dream job"

After the song finished, he said: "I was crying inside over Terry's comments because he's someone I respect and love as a human being.

"I'm not just a yob, I'm a human being and this is my dream job."

"I'm going to hold him by the hand look him in the eye and say I love you and if he doesn't say it back, I'm going to tear that wig off his head," added Moyles.

DJ Sara Cox also alluded to Wogan's comments, reading out an email from her own mother welcoming her back to the show after a few days' absence.

The email said: "One week of Terry Wogan is more than enough for me."

Niche broadcasting

Wogan's comments came in an interview with David Thomas, in which he also said: "Over the past 10 years there has been a complete breakdown into niche broadcasting.

"Radio 1, for instance, has deliberately set itself to appeal to the narrowest possible age group.

"But there is a stratum of young people in Britain who are being educated and who do have intelligence.

"I wonder what they listen to?"

A spokesman for BBC Radio 1 downplayed the furore, telling BBC News Online: "Radio 1 and Radio 2 have got vastly different audiences.

"What Chris Moyles and Sarah Cox are doing on-air is obviously working - we're reaching 54% of 15 to 24 year-olds."