Northern Irish broadcaster Gerry Kelly dies at 77

Gerry Kelly, the veteran Northern Irish broadcaster whose Friday night chat show became a cultural institution, has died at the age of 77. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 26, 2026, following an illness.

Kelly was best known as the host of his eponymous UTV talk and variety show, simply called "Kelly," which ran from September 1989 until December 2005. The program, which aired 571 episodes, was a staple of Friday night television, drawing large local audiences and featuring interviews with major figures from sports and entertainment, including footballer George Best. UTV's Head of News and Programmes, Simon Clemison, said the show had become "must-watch Friday-night viewing" and described Kelly as one of Northern Ireland's "best known and much-loved broadcasters."

Born in Ballymena, Kelly began his career as a part-time Gaelic Athletic Association reporter. After a stint at a local newspaper, he returned to UTV in 1979 and became one of the station's main faces, fronting programs like "Good Evening Ulster" before launching his flagship chat show. Following the show's conclusion, he continued in broadcasting, joining BBC Radio Ulster in...