United Kingdom: Four-time Eurovision host Katie Boyle passes away

by Jessica Weaver 1,627 views

Sad news in from the United Kingdom today, as it has been announced that Eurovision’s 4-time presenter – Katie Boyle – has passed away at the age of 91.

Earlier today, it was confirmed by the presenter’s agent – June Ford-Crush – that the actress and television personality, Katie Boyle, Lady Saunders, passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 91.

Eurovision fans and viewers from beyond will remember Boyle’s appearances as the host of the Eurovision Song Contest, having hosted the grand event on 4 separate occasions throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

The life of Katie Boyle

Born in Florence, Italy on the 29 May 1926, Boyle was born Caterina Irene Elena Maria Imperiali di Francavilla and was the daughter of an Italian father and an English mother.

In the years to follow, Boyle moved over to the United Kingdom in 1946 to begin her modelling career, including publications in the in the much-known fashion magazine, Vogue.

Boyle’s career soon moved from modelling to acting, appearing in several films throughout the 1950s including Not Wanted on Voyage, The Truth About Women, Intent to Kill and The Diary of Major Thompson.

Boyle soon hit television screens across the UK in the same decade, featuring as a television personality and game-show panellist in shows such as What’s My Line? and Juke Box Jury.

Four-time Eurovision host

The personality became known across the continent after the BBC invited Boyle to host the biggest European singing competition, the Eurovision Song Contest, on 4 separate occasions: 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1974. Boyle also hosted the British Eurovision national final, A Song for Europe, in 1961.

Katie Boyle in the opening of the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest

Boyle’s Eurovision connection became ongoing in the years to follow, with the presenter herself appearing at a number of UK conventions in the 1990s, as well as making an appearance at the last UK-hosted Eurovision Song Contest to date in 1998.

Later charity work

Boyle was proudly involved as a committee member with the Battersea Dogs Home, having worked with the charity for over 25 years, also devoting her time to a number of animal charities in the process.

Here at ESCToday, we offer our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends on Katie Boyle.