Iconic TV game show presenter dies as family pay emotional tribute

Former Going For Gold and Game For A Laugh host Henry Kelly has died, his family confirmed in an emotional statement. The radio and TV star died “peacefully” after a “period of ill health”

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Former Going For Gold and Game For A Laugh host Henry Kelly has died aged 78. The writer and broadcaster died “peacefully” on Tuesday “after a period of ill health”, his family said. A statement said: “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.”

Born in Dublin on April 17 1946, Kelly was a friend of fellow Belvedere College pupil Sir Terry Wogan, who fronted a host of entertainment shows including the Eurovision Song Contest and Blankety Blank. With roots in journalism stemming from his University College Dublin days, Kelly cut his teeth with The Irish Times and wrote profoundly about The Troubles. A career leap led him to the BBC's Radio 4, heralding a swift rise to acclaim.

Former Going For Gold and Game For A Laugh host Henry Kelly has died aged 78 (Image: PA Archive)

The leap into television beckoned in 1980 as he became a recognisable face on ITV's Game for a Laugh and would later shine as the host of BBC's Going for Gold through the years 1987-1996.

The original show, which featured a theme tune from Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, saw people from different countries competing against each other for a cash prize through answering questions.

Besides Radio 4, Kelly left an indelible voiceprint across radio channels, including Classic FM, commanding the Breakfast Show, LBC's Drive, BBC Radio London, and up until 2015, these dulcet tones resonated with listeners on BBC Radio Berkshire, reports the Mirror.

Henry Kelly died “peacefully” on Tuesday “after a period of ill health”, his family said (Image: PA)

Kelly's career led him to relocate from Ireland to London, where he resided in Hampstead until his passing. He had two grown-up children with his spouse Karolyn Shindler.

On X, followers expressed their sadness upon hearing about Kelly's death. "It's heartbreaking to hear of the passing of the Going for Gold presenter Henry Kelly he was a lovely man sending condolences to his family and friends RIP Henry," one follower commented.

TV presenter and comedian Mark Dolan is among those to pay tribute to Kelly. He wrote on X: "The amazing Henry Kelly has died. I met him as a child, when I got my first glimpse of live radio, whilst he was at LBC in Gough Square.

"He was generous, funny, clever and wise. And very strict about how his Guinness was poured! RIP total legend."

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