TalkSPORT presenter Danny Kelly dies aged 69 after battle with cancer

Danny Kelly, a veteran broadcaster and one of talkSPORT’s most cherished voices, died aged 69 after a battle with cancer. The station confirmed his passing in a statement on X, prompting an immediate wave of tributes from colleagues and listeners.

Kelly was a long-standing presence on talkSPORT, best known for anchoring the Sunday-night Trans-Europe Express show and making regular appearances alongside Paul Hawksbee and Andy Jacobs. His combination of football knowledge, musical passion and sharp wit made him one of the station’s most distinctive personalities.

“We are heartbroken to share that our much-loved friend and colleague Danny Kelly has died, aged 69,” talkSPORT said in their statement. “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. ‘I love football, Stan. I love it’. We loved you, Danny. We’ll miss you dearly.”

Close friend and fellow broadcaster Danny Baker was among the first to pay tribute. “My great friend, supreme broadcaster and funniest man I ever knew, Danny Kelly, died yesterday afternoon,” Baker wrote. “I cannot believe I will never hear his voice again.”

Ian Abrahams, widely known as Moose, also expressed his grief. “Absolutely heartbroken to hear Danny Kelly has passed away,” he said. “One of the best broadcasters I’ve worked with. One of the most amazing, kindest, funny, passionate people I knew. Danny, we’ll always have ‘I love Football’. I will miss you my friend, sleep well.”

Fans of the station echoed the sentiments of those who worked alongside him. “He had a brilliant mind. Loved listening to him on the radio. RIP Danny,” one wrote, while another added: “Such sad news. Lovely guy and loved listening to him on the radio. RIP Danny.”

Kelly’s death leaves a significant void at talkSPORT, where his warmth and encyclopaedic enthusiasm for both football and music had earned him a devoted following over many years on air.