Broadcaster Gerry Kelly dies at age 77

Ballymena-born broadcaster Gerry Kelly has died, aged 77, at his home in Co. Down.

He is best remembered for his UTV talk show Kelly which aired from 1989 until 2005, before he joined BBC Radio Ulster in 2009 with a weekly Saturday show and later in 2014, a Friday show as a presenter.

In 2018, Kelly revealed he had been suffering from cancer and was diagnosed two years prior. In 2019, he took a step back from his Friday show and continued on Saturdays until later that year.

UTV Head of News and Programmes Simon Clemison described Kelly as "one of Northern Ireland's best known and much-loved broadcasters."

"His UTV chat show Kelly ran for 17 years and became a 'must-watch' on Friday nights, featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment.

"Gerry Kelly was back on UTV just a couple of years ago fronting The Kelly Years, a series reflecting on the hundreds of stars from the world of film, television, music, and sport who had come through our studio doors."

Emma Dunseith, Head of Content Production at BBC Northern Ireland, said Kelly was "an exceptional broadcaster and journalist" who "made a valued contribution to the BBC and leaves an impressive broadcasting legacy."

"He had a rare gift for drawing out a guest with deep curiosity and genuine warmth; he made interviews feel like real conversations," BBC Radio Ulster broadcaster William Crawley said.

Comedian Paddy Raff tributed Kelly in a social media post, reflecting on his "career highlight" interviews with the late broadcaster. "Friday nights meant Kelly on the telly. I grew up watching him interview some of the biggest names but still being just like one of yer da's mates, he had such down to earth charm."

"A much-loved presenter with a huge character," Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said.

"He interviewed so many, many hundreds of people across decades including his famous clip with a young Rory McIlroy and the wash machine!"

So sorry to hear of the death of Gerry Kelly, a face and a voice that so many generations across Northern Ireland were familiar with. A much loved presenter with a huge character. He interviewed so many, many hundreds of people across decades including his famous clip with a… pic.twitter.com/uXKLEwHqwd

— Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) July 26, 2026