Keith Chegwin dead: TV presenter dies aged 60 after pulmonary fibrosis battle

Chegwin's family said the star "died peacefully at home"
Aime Grant Cumberbatch11 December 2017
The Weekender

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TV presenter Keith Chegwin has died aged 60, following a long-term battle with a progressive lung condition.

The star died at a home at around midnight on Monday surrounded by his family including his wife Maria, daughter Rose and his son Ted.

He passed away following a long-term battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which rapidly worsened towards the end of this year.

His last tweet was in September when told his fans: "Still not right. I will be back - But not for a bit yet. I'm so sorry."

In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Chegwin's family said: "We are heartbroken to share the news that Keith Chegwin sadly passed away following a long-term battle with a progressive lung condition, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which rapidly worsened towards the end of this year."

Entertainer: Chegwin presenting Cheggers Plays Pop

"Keith died peacefully at home shortly after midnight on the 11th of December. His wife Maria, his daughter Rose and his son Ted were by his side."

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Severn Hospice for the kindness, support and care they have shown us all over the last few weeks."

"Keith was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. We would respectfully ask to be left to mourn his passing in private."

​Chegwin, who was nicknamed 'Cheggers', began his career while still in school after he was spotted on talent programme Junior Showtime by Phil Collins' mother June.

In the Seventies and Eighties, he rose to fame hosting children's entertainment shows including Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, Cheggers Plays Pop and Saturday Superstore alongside the likes of Noel Edmonds and John Craven.

His career waned for a time due to a battle with alcoholism which inspired him to write the book Shaken But Not Stirred.

After tearfully admitting his struggles during an interview on Richard and Judy in the early Nineties, Chegwin decided to stop drinking.

Keith Chegwin - In pictures

1/19

He then enjoyed a comeback with presenting roles for GMTV and the revived version of game show It's a Knockout.

More recently, he appeared in Ricky Gervais comedy Extras, participated in the BBC's Celebrity MasterChef, ITV series Dancing on Ice and Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5.

Chegwin was married twice, first to fellow TV presenter Maggie Philbin whom he divorced in 1993. He later wed his assistant Marie Anne Chegwin.

Early days: Chegwin (far right) with co-hosts Noel Edmonds, John Craven and Maggie Philbin (L-R)

Philbin paid tribute to her ex-husband in a post on her website in which she called news of his death 'incredibly sad'.

"I am sure you will have seen the heartbreaking news about Keith who died earlier today," she wrote.

"It is incredibly sad. Keith was a one-off – full of life, generous and with a focus on things that mattered – his family.

"I saw him two months ago at his sister Janice's wedding, where he was still attempting to be life and soul of the party despite being on portable oxygen and made sure he knew how much he meant to us all."

Chegwin is survived by his wife and children Ted and Rose.

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