Henry Kelly Dies: Remembering the Legendary TV Presenter and Journalist
Image credits: Photograph: Ros Drinkwater/Rex Features
Henry Kelly, a veteran TV presenter and journalist, has died at the age of 78, his family announced. Kelly was a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, having hosted several popular TV shows, including Game for a Laugh and Going for Gold, in the 1980s and 1990s. He started his career as a journalist, working for The Irish Times in the 1970s, before transitioning to light entertainment. Kelly's family said he "died peacefully" on Tuesday "after a period of ill health".
Kelly's career in journalism began in the 1960s, when he wrote theatre reviews for The Irish Times. He later became the newspaper's northern editor, covering the height of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. In 1976, he joined the BBC, working as a reporter and presenter for Radio 4's The World Tonight. However, in 1980, Kelly made a career switch to light entertainment, hosting ITV's Game for a Laugh and later BBC One's Going for Gold. The show, which saw contestants from different European countries competing against each other to answer questions, was a huge success and ran for 10 seasons. The theme tune for Going for Gold was composed by Hans Zimmer, who went on to become a highly acclaimed film and TV composer.
Throughout his career, Kelly presented several other TV shows, including TV-am and After Dark. He also appeared in Victoria Wood's comedy show Dinnerladies and hosted a daily breakfast show on Classic FM from 1992 to 2003. Kelly won a Sony Radio Award in 1994, being voted national broadcaster of the year. In addition to his TV and radio work, Kelly wrote several books, including How Stormont Fell and Classic FM Musical Anecdotes, Notes And Quotes. His later radio career saw him present shows on LBC and BBC Radio Berkshire. Kelly's sense of humour and modesty were hallmarks of his personality, and he will be remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Kelly's family said he will be "sorely missed" by his friends and family, including his partner Karolyn Shindler, their son Alexander, and his daughter Siobhan. The TV presenter and journalist is survived by his loved ones, who will remember him for his iconic shows and his lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Some of his notable works include:
- Game for a Laugh
- Going for Gold
- TV-am
- After Dark
- Dinnerladies
- Classic FM
- LBC
- BBC Radio Berkshire
As news of Kelly's passing spread, fans and colleagues took to social media to pay tribute to the legendary TV presenter and journalist. His impact on the entertainment industry will be remembered for years to come, and his iconic shows will continue to be enjoyed by audiences around the world. With a career spanning over four decades, Kelly left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, and his legacy will be cherished by his fans and loved ones alike.
henry kelly going gold presenter journalist laugh iconic game legacy
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