He became a TV broadcaster full time in 1979 when he was picked to present UTV’s nightly one-hour news/magazine programme with Gloria Hunniford. After Gloria’s departure, Gerry took over Good Evening Ulster for a short spell before branching out into the social action programme Lifestyle.
At the end of the 1980s he presented a series of outside broadcast road shows for UTV, before taking the tiller to host Kelly in September 1989. By 2005 Gerry really was the chat show king with Kelly ratings breaking all previously held records and consistently attracting 350,000 viewers.
After 17 fabulous years of the Kelly show, 2006 heralded the start of a new chapter in Gerry’s broadcasting career. UTV commissioned him for 36 Gerry Meets in-depth 30-minute interviews with various high profile personalities. He also had his own radio show on U105 for a time.
In 1998 Gerry was installed into the Royal Television Society Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong contribution to broadcasting. He has also received two prestigious Entertainment and Media Awards and the Kelly show has twice been voted the most entertaining programme in NI. In 1993 he received the prestigious Sony Gold Award for a special programme following the Shankill Road Bomb.
Gerry still finds time to donate to charity work and is involved in community work with young people. He is also in great demand to present awards ceremonies and corporate dinners and is now available for product endorsements and commercial campaigns.
Lives
Gerry lives in Coney Island, Co Down with his wife Helena and daughters Sarah and Claire.
Hobbies/Interests
He is a passionate golfer and used to play off a handicap of 5, but has now mellowed to a more leisurely 12.