It's a sad day for anyone who loved tuning into classic British game shows in the 80s and 90s, for the death of an iconic entertainment host has been announced. Journalist, broadcaster, and presenter Henry Kelly passed away on 25 February 2025 at the age of 78.
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His family confirmed the tragic news, saying he 'died peacefully' but was dealing with ill health prior to his death. However, no further details have been provided on what he was suffering from. They added:
He will be sorely missed by his friends and his family.
The Going For Gold host is survived by his partner Karolyn Shindler, their son Alexander, and his daugther Siobhan who he shares with his first wife Marjorie.
Henry Kelly's multi-faceted career
Henry Kelly may be known for his light-hearted hosting skills on shows like Game For A Laugh and Going For Gold, but he actually got his start in newspapers. Indeed, while studying at University College Dublin, he started working for The Irish Times. As per The Independent, he covered the Troubles in Northern Ireland as the paper's northern editor before moving to London in 1976 to work for BBC Radio 4's The World Tonight.
He then drastically shifted his career path, leaving traditional media behind and going into entertainment in the 1980s. That's when he became renowned for hosting ITV's Game For A Laugh and BBC 1's Going For Gold.
That wasn't the only turn his career took. He also appeared in Dinnerladies, presented on TV-am, and was a founding presenter at Classic FM, hosting the breakfast show from 1992 to 2003. His radio career continued with stints on LBC and BBC Radio Berkshire.
About his private life
Very little is known about his public life, however according to Daily Mail, Kelly loved classical music. In fact, he co-authored a book that compiles notes, anecdotes, and quotes from the world of music called Classic FM Musical Anecdotes. He also enjoyed the finer things in life, including fine food, gold, cricket, and horse racing.
The man lived in Hampstead in north London with long-time partner Karolyn Shindler, who used to be a BBC producer. Prior to his relationship with Shindler, he was married to his childhood sweetheart Marjorie and had a 20-year-old relationship with her.
Sources used:
BBC: Going For Gold presenter Henry Kelly dies at 78
The Independent: Going For Gold and Game For A Laugh host Henry Kelly dies aged 78
Daily Mail: Henry Kelly dead: Downton Abbey's Peter Egan leads tributes to 'delightful' Going For Gold presenter after he passed away aged 78
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