talkSPORT presenter Danny Kelly has died at the age of 69, the broadcaster has announced.
Kelly had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus, which led to him stepping away from his talkSPORT role in March.
In an update to fans in August, Kelly informed fans his cancer treatment had ‘definitely not gone to plan’ after revealing he had been hospitalised on seven occasions, including spending time in intensive care.
talkSPORT confirmed Kelly’s death in a statement on Wednesday morning.
‘We are heartbroken to share that our much-loved friend and colleague Danny Kelly has died, aged 69,’ the broadcaster said.
‘A cherished part of talkSPORT for so many years, Danny brought extraordinary wit, warmth and knowledge to our airwaves.
talkSPORT presenter Danny Kelly has died at the age of 69, the broadcaster announced on Wednesday
‘His passion for football, music and life was infectious, and his kindness touched everyone around him.
“I love football, Stan. I love it.” 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 had provided updates following his diagnosis and thanked fans for their support during his treatment.
‘KELLY CANCER KRONIKLES. Cos so many of you kindly asked for an update… My treatment has most definitely NOT gone to plan. SEVEN hospitalisations have turned an already tough journey into a messy stagger. I spent last week in the Intensive Care Unit. Scary stuff,’ Kelly shared in August.
‘Some of this is just terrible luck. The syndrome that had me in ICU is SO rare that nobody in ireland is an expert. My tests were sent to LONDON. Several brain scans, multiple infusions and a lumbar puncture later, I’m a bit “better”. Maybe even going home (again) today..
‘One medic commented that I’ve “the constitution of an ox.” Which made me feel very sad for an ox, alone and weedy in a field somewhere, with MY constitution…
‘I have to say this, cos it’s true. The ICU nurses – half locals, half from the south Indian seaside state of Kerala – are amazing. Their diligence, compassion and humour pulled me through. I have a list of their names; I will never forget them.
Kelly had updated fans throughout his treatment, which he admitted in August had ‘not gone to plan’
‘As always, I thank you all for your support. Especially from bands I haven’t worked with for years. Members of Dexys, the Waterboys, The Fall, Primal Scream, The Loft, The Coral and the mighty Manics, among others, have all wished me luck. Note; only great bands; im humbled.
‘Onward…’
Kelly had been part of talkSPORT since 2007, joining the broadcaster permanently the following year.
In a famous moment, the ardent Tottenham fan was heard shouting in delight when they rescued a 4-4 draw with a last gasp equaliser in the North London derby against Arsenal in 2008, telling co-host Stan Collymore ‘I love football, Stan, I love it.’
Kelly hosted the Trans Europe Express show on talkSPORT, as well as appearing as a regular on Hawksbee & Jacobs.
He also presented the Tottenham focused ‘View From The Lane’ podcast for The Athletic, while he previously edited NME and Q magazine.
