Henry Kelly: Remembering the Life and Legacy of a Television Icon

Henry Kelly, who recently passed away at the age of 78, was a prominent Irish journalist known for his tough reporting on the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He later became a well-known television presenter, particularly famous for hosting the ITV show “Game for a Laugh,” which was designed as a fun, interactive program where the audience was seen as the stars of the show.

“Game for a Laugh,” which debuted in 1981, featured various challenges and playful pranks. One of the show’s amusing elements involved an audience member sitting in the “pie chair” and attempting to complete a tricky task. If they failed, they would get hit by custard pies delivered by mechanical arms. The show also showcased its fans, featuring people with unique talents, such as a vicar imitating Liberace, a worker building a giant robot, and a man who covered the walls of his home with classical art.

Henry Kelly was one of the original hosts, along with Jeremy Beadle, Sarah Kennedy, and Matthew Kelly. They presented the show while sitting on tall stools, and they ended each episode with a catchy phrase: “Watching us … watching you … watching us … watching you,” with a playful camera switch between presenters and the audience. The show quickly gained popularity and attracted over 15 million viewers within just two months of its launch. However, Kelly left the show after three series, along with Kennedy and Matthew Kelly, feeling that the unscripted nature of the show made it both challenging and rewarding.

His time on the show opened many doors for him, leading to hosting opportunities, including a BBC daytime quiz called “Going for Gold,” which turned out to be a surprising success. Even though he initially thought the idea was silly, it became popular among viewers, especially students, and ran for ten series from 1987 to 1996.

In addition to his television work, Kelly returned to radio. He was one of the first presenters of Classic FM when it launched in 1992. From then until 2003, he hosted various shows, including a breakfast program and a mid-morning show, attracting over three million listeners with his entertaining format that included recipes and racing tips.

Born in Dublin, Kelly was the youngest of five siblings. His father was a civil servant and had once been private secretary to an influential politician. Kelly described his father as warm and friendly, although he didn’t have a close bond with his mother. His family moved to Athlone during his early years but returned to Dublin later. He attended a Jesuit school and was friends with Terry Wogan’s family. After studying English at University College Dublin, he worked as a reporter for the Irish Times, covering the significant events during the Troubles.

Kelly wrote a book called “How Stormont Fell,” which detailed the end of Northern Ireland’s parliament. After a few years in London with BBC Radio 4 as a reporter, he transitioned to light entertainment with “Game for a Laugh.” However, he continued to return to serious journalism on the radio while exploring opportunities in television.

In his personal life, Kelly’s first marriage to his childhood sweetheart ended in divorce. He is survived by his partner Karolyn Shindler, a former BBC producer, their son Alexander, and his daughter Siobhan from his previous marriage. He was a beloved figure in broadcasting, known for his charm and wit, and will be remembered for both his serious journalism and light-hearted entertainment.