KEITH Chegwin sadly passed away aged just 60 years old back in 2017.
His family announced the news in a moving statement – we look at the life and times of the popular entertainer…
Who was Keith Chegwin? What was his background?
Keith Chegwin, 60, was born January 17, 1957 and was an English television broadcaster and actor.
He was best known for hosting children’s game show Cheggers Plays Pop in the 1970s, which was his launch to fame.
Later, he starred in Swap Shop and Superstore where he travelled around Britain helping children swap their toys.
But in the 1990s, Keith’s career suffered as he battled alcoholism. He opened up about his struggles in his autobiographical book Shaken But Not Stirred.
The entertainer made a comeback when he started working on GMTV, and could regularly be seen knocking on the doors of competition winners houses.
Then in 2006, he appeared as himself in an episode of the Ricky Gervais sitcom Extras. He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015.
Keith also regularly appeared in pantomimes including Aladdin, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and Mother Goose.
How did Keith die?
Keith died following a “long-term battle with a progressive lung condition” on December 11, 2017.
The entertainer apologised to fans in September for not tweeting, saying: “Still not right. I will be back – But not for a bit yet. I’m so sorry.”
In a statement Keith’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.
“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.”
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4Who was his sister?
The star's older sister was Janice Long, a BBC Radio presenter and former Top of the Pops host.
She died at the age of 66 on Christmas Day 2021 after a brief battle with illness – the exact cause of which is still unknown.
Her agent Nigel said of her death in a statement: "Janice was a wonderful, warm human being and exceptional broadcaster.
"She told a brilliant story and always made you roar with laughter with her sharp wit. She will leave behind her husband Paul and two children.
"Janice loved the BBC and started her career as a station assistant at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1979, to complete it with the magnificent people at BBC Radio Wales.
"Janice wanted it known she was so thankful to the NHS and all who looked after her there."
Keith also had a twin brother, Jeff, with whom he attended stage school.
Was Keith married?
Keith leaves behind his wife Maria Anne Chegwin, they have a son.
He was previously married to presenter Maggie Philbin. The former couple had a daughter together.
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