Keith Chegwin has died at the age of 60.
The legendary presenter – who is best known for presenting the children’s game show ‘Cheggers Plays Pop’ – passed away surrounded by his family at his home on Monday (11.12017) following a long-term battle with a progressive lung condition.
A statement from his 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. 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."
‘This Morning’ presenter Phillip Schofield was one of the first to comment on the news as he admitted he was "stunned" and struggling to get his "head around" it.
Taking to his Twitter account, he said: "I’m so stunned to hear that the utterly lovely @keithchegwin has died. Can’t get my head round this. One of my original Saturday morning heroes. Sending all my love to his family (sic)," followed by a crying emoji.
Lorraine Kelly added: "Very sad to hear about the death of Keith Chegwin. A kind, funny, brave man who seized the day."
‘Coronation Street’ star Samia Longchambon – who worked with Keith on ‘Dancing on Ice’ in 2014 – said: "Devastated to hear that wonderful @keithchegwin has passed away. Was a total pleasure to work with him and get to know him when we did @dancingonice he was a true gent #RIP (sic)"
Paddy McGuinness uploaded a photograph of ‘Cheggers Plays Pop’ and added: "Such sad news. Very much a part of my childhood. RIP Keith Chegwin."
While Frank Bruno said: "Saddened to hear this,what a great guy! I worked with him a lot over the years a great entertainer,you will be missed RIP Keith Chegwin (sic)"
Keith – nicknamed Cheggers – became a household name in the 70s when he presented ‘Multi-Coloured Swap Shop’ before hosting ‘Saturday Superstore’ in the 80s.
However, despite an impressive start, his career began to sink towards the latter end of the 80s and early 90s when he started to battle with alcoholism.
He then ditched the booze after his appearance on ‘This Morning’ in November 1992 and managed to claw back his career in 1992 when he hosted ‘The Big Breakfast’.
Throughout his time in showbiz, he’s also taken part in reality TV shows such as ‘Celebrity Big Brother’, Celebrity MasterChef’ and ‘Dancing on Ice’.
He’s survived by two children; Rose – whom he has with his ex-wife Maggie Philbin – and Ted, whom he has with his wife Maria.
Maggie has since paid tribute to her former husband, saying: "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.
"Our daughter Rose flew home from San Francisco to be with him over the last few weeks and I know he was surrounded by so much love from his second wife Maria, their son Ted, his sister Janice, his twin brother Jeff and his father Colin. Keith was loved by everyone who knew and worked with him."
Keith Chegwin dies at 60
