Danny Kelly, broadcaster and football pundit, dies aged 69

Danny Kelly, the popular broadcaster, football pundit and music journalist, has died at the age of 69.

The news was confirmed by talkSPORT, who shared in a statement on social media on Wednesday 11 November: "We are heartbroken to share that our much-loved friend and colleague Danny Kelly has died, aged 69."

The statement continued: "A cherished part of talkSPORT for so many years, Danny brought extraordinary wit, warmth and knowledge to our airwaves. His passion for football, music and life was infectious, and his kindness touched everyone around him. We loved you, Danny. We’ll miss you dearly. Our thoughts are with Danny’s family, friends and everyone who loved listening to him."

Kelly announced earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.

A music lover, Kelly began his journalism career writing for the New Musical Express in the early 1980s, before going on to edit NME and Q magazine.

He joined talkSPORT in 2007, and went on to front popular shows including Kick Off, Sporting Life and Trans-Euro Express. He also presented The Athletic’s Tottenham podcast The View From The Lane.

His club Tottenham Hotspur led tributes to the broadcaster following his passing in a statement that read: "The entire Tottenham family mourns the loss of one of our own, broadcasting legend Danny Kelly. Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Danny."

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His former broadcasting colleague Danny Baker also paid tribute, writing: "My great friend, supreme broadcaster and funniest man I ever knew, Danny Kelly, died yesterday afternoon. I cannot believe I will never hear his voice again."

Kelly's former colleague Stan Collymore also wrote: "This morning I was told of the passing of my good friend and colleague, Danny Kelly. The tributes to him in the coming days from those who knew him and worked with him will give you an idea of how much he was loved."

He added: "I loved him too. Very much so. A man who I called 'Dad' on air because I wished he was. I hope you give me a few minutes to read my thoughts, and I hope they do you justice, Dan."

Authors

Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.