Gerry Kelly: Ex-UTV broadcaster 'was always a star but he refused to act like one'
Former media colleagues of Gerry Kelly have paid tribute to his down-to-earth nature and his refusal to act like "the star" that he was.
The former UTV and BBC Radio Ulster presenter, who died on Sunday, conducted many high-profile interviews, including with an eight-year-old Rory McIlroy as the young golfer chipped balls into a washing machine.
“Gerry Kelly was one of Northern Ireland’s best known and much-loved broadcasters,” UTV head of news and programmes Simon Clemison said.
“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.
“We send our sincere condolences to Gerry’s wife, family and friends.”
Emma Dunseith, Head of Content Production at BBC Northern Ireland, described Kelly as "an exceptional broadcaster and journalist".
She added: "He made a valued contribution to the BBC and leaves an impressive broadcasting legacy. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
Another UTV colleague and former presenter, Mike Nesbitt, said Kelly was "always a star but he refused to act like one".
"His genius was the ability to interview you as if he was just being curious, but actually he had researched you... he knew exactly where he wanted to take you," he told the BBC.
Adrian Logan, who was a colleague of Kelly's at UTV, described him as a "larger-than-life character".
"Everybody in the place just loved him. He treated everybody fairly and equally, he was such a good fella."
He added: "I will remember Gerry just the way he appeared on the screen because that was him. There were no airs or graces with him."
Broadcaster Gloria Hunniford, who worked with him at UTV, described Gerry as "incredible" and said his personality was what made him so likeable.
"He was just a beautiful big man with a big personality, big sense of humour and everything about him was just lovable," she told the BBC.
People loved going to see him and being interviewed by him, she said.
She recounted a time when Kelly lifted something and ripped his trousers while live on air.
"And he just laughed about it as we all did. He just was a great person."
Ex-UTV broadcaster Lynda Bryans said Kelly got his UTV gig by way of mistaken identity. UTV wanted Gerry's brother Danny Kelly to do some reporting, but when they called to the house it was Gerry who answered. The head of sport thought he was Danny and offered him the job, she said.
Rod Patterson worked as musical director on The Kelly Show.
"And throughout those years [I] had nothing but admiration and respect for Gerry—not only as a superb broadcaster, but as one of the genuinely nicest people you could hope to meet," he said.
"I know I speak for the many musicians I brought into the house band over the years, all of whom were made to feel instantly welcome, appreciated and valued by Gerry. He had a remarkable way of putting everyone at ease. He truly was one of a kind, and we loved working both for him and alongside him."
“I’m sorry to hear that Gerry Kelly has died,” broadcaster William Crawley said.
“He had a rare gift for drawing out a guest with deep curiosity and genuine warmth; he made interviews feel like real conversations.
“He inspired, encouraged and mentored other broadcasters too. A big star who was always a gentleman.”