Broadcaster Gerry Kelly has died at his home in Ardglass, County Down, at the age of 77. His family confirmed he died on Sunday 26 July 2026, following a long illness. He had spoken publicly in 2018 about his cancer diagnosis two years earlier.

Kelly was a familiar face and voice across Northern Ireland for four decades. He became a household name as host of UTV's weekly chat show Kelly, which ran from 1989 to 2005. He later presented weekend programmes on BBC Radio Ulster from 2009 to 2019 and recently mentored students at Belfast Metropolitan College on a new chat show series broadcast on NVTV.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly extended condolences, recalling the widely known clip of Kelly interviewing a young Rory McIlroy. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, a former UTV colleague, said Kelly set the benchmark for broadcasters at the station and was known for his warmth and professionalism.

Gloria Hunniford described him as an engaging interviewer with a large personality. Lynda Bryans said Kelly had a gift for making guests feel at ease and noted his early break came after he answered a call meant for his brother. William Crawley praised his ability to turn interviews into genuine conversations, while Michael Henderson remembered his sense of humour and connection with people.

Biographer Don Anderson said Kelly's early life shaped his character. Born in Ballymena in 1948, he moved to the Downpatrick area as a child. His father left the family when Kelly was 10, and his mother worked as a cleaner and later an auxiliary nurse to support five children. Anderson said these experiences gave Kelly a compassion that defined his broadcasting style. Kelly trained as a primary school teacher before entering journalism at the Down Recorder.

Kelly is survived by his wife Helena, daughters Sarah and Claire, son-in-law William, and three grandchildren. His funeral will take place on Wednesday 29 July, leaving his home at 12.30pm for Requiem Mass at 1pm in St Nicholas' Church, Ardglass, with interment in Calvary Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers are requested for Northern Ireland Hospice.