TV Presenter Henry Kelly Dies at 78
Veteran Irish journalist and television presenter Henry Kelly, best known for hosting Going for Gold and Game for a Laugh, has passed away at the age of 78.
His family confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday, revealing that he died peacefully after battling an illness. They expressed their deep sorrow, noting that he will be greatly missed by his loved ones, including his partner Karolyn Shindler, their son Alexander, his daughter Siobhan, and her mother Marjorie.
Born in Athlone and raised in Dublin, Kelly began his career as a journalist at The Irish Times. In 1970, he became the newspaper’s northern editor during the height of the Troubles, a period he considered one of the most significant of his career. His daughter recalled how much he valued his time in Northern Ireland, describing it as his “proudest” professional experience.
Kelly transitioned to broadcasting in 1976, joining the BBC as a reporter and presenter on The World Tonight on Radio 4 while continuing to contribute to The Irish Times. He also authored several books, including How Stormont Fell, which examined the collapse of Northern Ireland’s parliament, and Classic FM Musical Anecdotes, Notes And Quotes, co-written with John Foley.
His move into television entertainment marked a major career shift. He followed in the footsteps of Irish broadcasters like Terry Wogan and Eamonn Andrews, securing a role on Game for a Laugh, a popular Saturday night show produced by London Weekend Television. This paved the way for his involvement in TV-am, where he took over Michael Parkinson’s weekend slot in 1983.
After four years at TV-am, Kelly returned to hosting game shows, fronting Going for Gold, a BBC lunchtime quiz show, for nearly a decade. His engaging presence and smooth hosting style made him a household name.
In the 1990s, Kelly moved into radio, becoming a key voice on Classic FM before later hosting the drivetime show on LBC, one of the most listened-to slots on the station.
He spent his later years in Hampstead, North London, enjoying walks on Hampstead Heath and frequent visits to his local pub, the Bull and Bush. Known for his sharp wit and humility, he once jokingly suggested that his own epitaph should read: “Who was he?”
Kelly’s legacy spans journalism, television, and radio, leaving behind a lasting impact on British and Irish media. His humor, intelligence, and warmth will be remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.
