Four time Eurovision host Katie Boyle passes away at the age of 91

Sad news coming from the United Kingdom today. Katie Boyle’s agent June Ford-Crush has announced that the four-time Eurovision host has sadly passed away, aged 91. 

A Classic Icon

Katie Boyle, or Caterina Irene Elena Maria Imperiali de Principi di Francavilla as her birth name was, was born in Italy back in 1926. At the age of twenty, the daughter of an Italian marquis and an English lady moved to the United Kingdom, where she acted in several films and started a modelling career.

Katie Boyle was a well-known personality in the United Kingdom. In the 1960s she became a regular panellist in TV shows such as ‘What’s My Line’ and ‘Juke Box Jury’. In addition to this, she was also known for starring advertisements such as the Camay Soap, despite being allergic to the product itself.

Katie hosted a radio show in her laters titled ‘Katie and Friends’. In addition to this, she became an agony aunt for the UKs TV Times, where she would answer questions that her readers would send to her.

June Ford-Crush, Boyle’s agent in the latter stages of her career, announced her death on Twitter today. She stated that Katie Boyle had passed away peacefully at home at the age of 91.

I am very sad to announce the death of Katie Boyle (Lady Saunders) who I was proud to represent in the latter days of her working career, and counted as a friend. The Italian born actress, TV personality, agony aunt, games show panellist and dog lover, died peacefully at home. pic.twitter.com/WhgaEkZrtM

— June Ford-Crush (@junefordcrush) March 20, 2018

Stars pay tribute to the legend

The BBC has published an Obituary, detailing the TV personality’s early life, and her career in television. On Twitter, several stars paid their tribute to the legend that was Katie Boyle. Both celebrities from the United Kingdom as well as people related to Eurovision took their time to respond on Twitter:

Katie Boyle – thank you for your pure elegance and wit. An inspiration.
Rest in peace. 💔

— Edward af Sillén (@EdwardafSillen) March 20, 2018

So very sad to hear about the passing of Katie Boyle – a TRUE #Eurovision legend, & one of the most delightful ladies it has been my pleasure to meet. God bless… xx

— Nicki French (@NickiFrenchie) March 20, 2018

Sad to hear that Katie Boyle has gone. A class act. I worked with her once and she was lovely.

— Jonathan Ross (@wossy) March 20, 2018

Katie Boyle at the Eurovision Song Contest

Katie is well known for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, four times. Her first three hosting efforts were in the 1960s, in 1960, 1963 and 1968. She also hosted A Song for Europe, the UK national final, in 1961. In 1974, she hosted the Eurovision Song Contest for a fourth and final time. In doing this, she currently holds the record for hosting the most contests throughout its history.

Lady Saunders as she was known in her later life brought poise and sophistication to the contest, coupled with her ability to speak several languages, made her a favourite with the Eurovision fans and the international audiences.

On behalf of the ESCXTRA Team, we would like to offer our condolences to Katie’s friends and family at this difficult time. We would like to take this opportunity to thank her for all the contributions she has made to the contest.