You've been saying it wrong! Discovery of a 1960s television show hosted by Roald Dahl reveals how author really pronounced his Christian name

By Hannah Moore For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 07:01 EST, 17 November 2016 | Updated: 04:37 EST, 18 November 2016

The beloved children's author was known for his ability to surprise and delight. 

And even 26 years after his death, Roald Dahl is still managing to surprise.

The original, Norwegian pronunciation of his first name has shocked fans, who have been referring to the author as 'Row-ald' or 'Roh-ld'  for decades.

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Surprise! According to the introduction of a television show Roald Dahl used to host, fans have been pronouncing his name wrong for decades 

In a 1961 science-fiction television show called Way Out, hosted by Roald for CBS, an introduction for the famed writer says it very clearly.

His name, which is Norwegian, is actually pronounced 'Roo-al'.

Despite the completely different pronunciations, both the common and proper ways of saying his name have become acceptable over time. 

Hold the 'o'! Roald's name is not pronounced Ro-ald or 'Roh-ld', but actually Roo-al

The Matilda author was born in Cardiff, Wales, though to Norwegian parents.

During a weekend festival to celebrate his centenary in his birthplace of Cardiff earlier this year, a reporter referred to him as Row-ald. 

His daughter Lucy and wife Felicity have both been part of interviews with English journalists who have used the more common pronunciation, and neither have bothered to correct them.

Family ties: Even Roald's wife Felicity (right) would on occasion use the incorrect pronounciation of his name

Not fussed: During interviews with his family members, the incorrect pronunciation of Roald's name is often used by reporters and never corrected

According to a long-standing and exhaustive fan website, Roald Dahl Fans, even Felicity would also on occasion use the incorrect pronunciation.

Roald passed away in 1990 of of a blood disease called myelodysplastic syndrome.

His exhaustive literary works, for both children and adults, have survived him in books, movies and on stage.  

Gone but not forgotten: Roald passed away in 1990 of of a blood disease called myelodysplastic syndrome

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