Renowned journalist and television presenter Henry Kelly passed on at the age of 78. His family announced that he died peacefully on Tuesday after a period of ill health. Kelly, best known for hosting the beloved quiz show Going For Gold, leaves behind a legacy spanning journalism, television, and radio.
In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed their grief, saying, “Henry will be sorely missed by his friends and family, including his partner Karolyn Shindler, their son Alexander, Henry’s daughter Siobhan, and her mother Marjorie.” Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans who remember him as a warm, witty, and charismatic broadcaster.
Born in Dublin on April 17, 1946, Kelly began his career in journalism, covering major events for The Irish Times during the turbulent years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. In 1976, he moved to London to work with the BBC, becoming a reporter and presenter for The World Tonight on Radio 4. His sharp intellect and engaging style quickly earned him a reputation as a talented broadcaster.
However, in 1980, Kelly made a surprising career shift, leaving journalism for light entertainment. He became a household name as the host of Game For A Laugh, an ITV show known for its elaborate pranks and humorous stunts. He later co-presented the original Good Morning Britain on TV-am, further cementing his place in British television history.
Kelly’s most iconic role came in the late 1980s when he became the face of Going For Gold, a daytime quiz show that brought together contestants from across Europe. The show ran for ten seasons and became a cult favorite, featuring a theme tune composed by a then-rising composer, Hans Zimmer. Reflecting on the program years later, Kelly described it as “Pan-European” and recalled amusing cultural differences, including a Swedish contestant referring to a chess pawn as “the farmer.”
Beyond television, Kelly enjoyed a successful radio career. He was one of the launch presenters for Classic FM and hosted programs on LBC and BBC Radio London. From 2005, he spent a decade at BBC Radio Berkshire, continuing to entertain and inform audiences with his distinctive voice and sharp wit. In recognition of his contributions to broadcasting, he was named National Broadcaster of the Year at the Sony Radio Awards in 1994.
Kelly also made a mark in comedy, appearing in Victoria Wood’s acclaimed sitcom Dinnerladies, and took on a more serious role as the host of After Dark, a journalistic talk show. His ability to transition seamlessly between different genres of broadcasting showcased his remarkable versatility.
As the entertainment world mourns the loss of Henry Kelly, his legacy lives on through the countless programs he presented and the generations of viewers and listeners he entertained. From hard-hitting journalism to lighthearted quiz shows, he brought passion, intelligence, and humor to every
role.
