Presenter Henry Kelly rose to fame after his gameshow appearances in his 30s, despite having started out his career in newspaper journalism. His family confirmed he died “peacefully” on Tuesday evening aged 78
Popular Irish broadcaster Henry Kelly has died at the age of 78 “after a period of ill health”, his family have confirmed. He died “peacefully” on Tuesday evening surrounded by loved ones.
His death marks the end of an era in British entertainment history, with Kelly known for presenting the popular Going For Gold gameshow. Starting out as a journalist for an Irish newspaper, Kelly quickly realised his love for the entertainment industry and pivoted to TV.
He also presented programmes on BBC Radio 4, LBC and Classic FM. Here, we take a look back at his career.
Early life and journalism career
The presenter was born on April 17, 1946, in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland. His career began not in TV, but in journalism.
After studying English at University College Dublin, he took his first steps into the media world as a journalist at The Irish Times. Kelly quickly rose through the ranks and, by the early 1970s, had become the paper’s Northern Editor, reporting on the tumultuous events of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
In 1976, he made the move to London to work as a reporter for BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight. Despite his success in serious reporting, Kelly had a flair for entertainment that would soon lead him to a very different kind of career.
Television
At the age of 34, Kelly took a huge career risk by moving from journalism to television entertainment – a move that proved to be a game-changer. In 1981, he joined ITV’s Game for a Laugh, a light-hearted, fun-filled variety show that quickly became a Saturday night staple in households across Britain.
As one of the show’s co-presenters, Kelly’s warm demeanor, quick wit, and friendly presence won over audiences and established him as a popular television personality. This marked the beginning of a new era for Kelly, as he firmly stepped into the world of entertainment.
The success of Game for a Laugh paved the way for further opportunities, leading to his most iconic role – one that would define his television career.
Going For Gold
In 1987, Kelly became the face of Going for Gold. The show, which aired on BBC1, was unique in that it featured contestants from different European countries competing against each other.
Kelly’s distinctive presenting style, coupled with his signature catchphrases – such as “What am I?” and “Now you’re playing catch-up!” – made him an unforgettable presence in British television history. His engaging and charismatic approach ensured that Going for Gold enjoyed a decade-long run, cementing Kelly as one of the most recognizable quiz show hosts of the time.
The show became a cult favorite, and even years after its conclusion in 1996, Kelly’s association with it remained strong in the public’s memory.
Radio success
While he had made his name in television, Kelly never strayed too far from radio. In the early 1990s, he became one of the launch presenters for Classic FM, hosting the station’s breakfast show. His soothing voice and polished broadcasting style attracted millions of listeners, with his show reportedly drawing in an audience of nearly 3.5 million – making it one of the most successful breakfast shows in UK radio history.
Over the years, Kelly continued to work in both radio and television, proving his versatility as a broadcaster. He had a stint on LBC, as well as presenting on BBC Radio Berkshire, keeping his voice in the homes of loyal fans who had followed him since his early days.