Danny Kelly, talkSPORT broadcaster and former NME editor, dies at 69

talkSPORT announced Wednesday that Danny Kelly had died from cancer at 69. The former NME editor had broadcast on the station for nearly two decades.

"My great friend, supreme broadcaster and funniest man I ever knew, Danny Kelly, died yesterday afternoon," said Danny Baker, his longtime broadcasting partner. "I cannot believe I will never hear his voice again," Baker added.

Kelly moved from music-magazine editing into football radio. In its tribute on X, talkSPORT ended with a line familiar to his listeners, "I love football, Stan. I love it."

We are heartbroken to share that our much-loved friend and colleague Danny Kelly has died, aged 69.

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,

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 11, 2026

Before working in sports broadcasting, Kelly built his career in print. He edited NME for two years and also served as editor of Q magazine.

Kelly joined talkSPORT in 2007 and remained there for nearly two decades. His work included appearances on Kick Off and Sporting Life, and his most recent presenting role was on Trans-Europe Express.

GB News traced his catchphrase to one commentary. The outlet said Kelly was alongside Stan Collymore for a 2008 Tottenham-Arsenal match that ended 4-4. When Aaron Lennon scored a late equaliser, Kelly jumped from his seat and shouted, "I love football, Stan. I love it."

Kelly supported Tottenham Hotspur throughout his life. He also hosted The Athletic's award-winning Tottenham podcast, The View From The Lane, where he was most recently heard as presenter.

Simon Jordan, a former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT pundit, credited Kelly on the station with starting his broadcasting career. "He was a brilliant broadcaster, editor, writer and friend, the reason I'm able to broadcast is because of Danny, it started with Danny, he nurtured me," Jordan said.

Jordan recalled their disagreements during Covid. "We had such fun, during Covid we had such little material, nothing was going on, we had ideological debates, we disagreed, but we still created a dynamic between us, it’s stayed with me," he said.

Cancer disclosure

Kelly said he had oesophageal cancer. He disclosed the diagnosis on talkSPORT in March 2026, the Evening Standard reported.

He discussed his illness again on Trans-Europe Express in June, Wales Online reported. "I don't intend to mince my words here," he told listeners. "I'm going to tell you that I am a sick man."

During that broadcast, Kelly said in June 2026 that he had sought medical help six weeks before, going to a doctor with "hat on the side of my head, something going on with my eating."

"I thought it was probably acid reflux and he would give me a big bag of Gaviscon. Other tablets are available. Instead, it turns out that I have cancer," Kelly said in June 2026.

Kelly told listeners in June 2026 that "the medics say that the thing hasn't spread inside my body and that they can and they will help me." His treatment plan, he said, called for chemotherapy, surgery and then further chemotherapy.

"It is a hard road, but one that the doctors are hopeful that will see me emerge recovered and healthy at the far end," Kelly said in June 2026.

In his final talkSPORT appearance, Kelly encouraged men with any cancer symptoms to get checked.

Tottenham Hotspur said on social media that "the entire Tottenham family mourns the loss of one of our own, broadcasting legend Danny Kelly." The club sent its thoughts and love to his family and friends.

Ian "Moose" Abrahams, his talkSPORT colleague, said he was "absolutely heartbroken" and described Kelly as "one of the best broadcasters I’ve worked with."

Jordan said people close to Kelly had believed he was recovering. "He fought this battle, the adversity he went through, the sadness, I feel choked, we thought Danny was coming through. He showed such strength and courage," Jordan said.

In its tribute, talkSPORT called Kelly "a cherished part of talkSPORT for so many years" and said his "passion for football, music and life was infectious, and his kindness touched everyone around him."

"We loved you, Danny," the station said. "We’ll miss you dearly."