Keith Chegwin Dead: Stars Pay Tribute To TV Presenter ‘Cheggers’ Following His Death, Aged 60

Friends of TV presenter Keith Chegwin have been paying tribute to the TV star, following his death at the age of 60.

In a statement, his family said the star had passed away following the long-term battle with a progressive lung condition, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which rapidly worsened towards the end of this year.

The said: “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.

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

Among the first to pay their respects was DJ Tony Blackburn, who presented ‘Multi-Coloured Swap Shop’ with Cheggers in the 1970s.

Blackburn described him as a “great friend” in a tweet posted shortly after his death, saying he was “absolutely devastated”.

I’m absolutely devastated to hear that my friend Keith Chegwin has died.He was one of the nicest people I have ever known and over the years we did shows together and became great friends. Keith RIP.

December 11, 2017
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 ?

December 11, 2017
So sad to hear about the death of the lovely & funny Keith Chegwin. RIP you National Treasure. #PopKnobInFanny
Very sad to hear about the death of Keith Chegwin. A kind, funny, brave man who seized the day.
I’m so saddened by the death of Keith Chegwin. He was such a warm, loving guy and had such an endearing presence. Rest In Peace Keith ? pic.twitter.com/jt0og5eXko

December 11, 2017
Such sad news. Very much a part of my childhood. RIP Keith Chegwin. pic.twitter.com/IFL7TujE9b
Deeply saddened to hear the news of Keith Chegwin passing away. Thoughts go out to his family and friends. D x pic.twitter.com/jLjSIuxPq5
No. I can’t bear the news. Not him. I was blessed to work with Keith Chegwin on the big breakfast and he was a happy and joyous man. So generous and kind. Bye bye cheggers So so sad #ripkeithchegwin #ripcheggars my love to his family.

December 11, 2017
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?? pic.twitter.com/EghfdBa8rm

December 11, 2017
I have known Keith Chegwin for many years He was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in this biz I had been told he was very poorly but unable to contact him for a while What a dreadful shame to lose such a lovely friend Love to his family RIP Cheggers! I’ll miss that smile ?

December 11, 2017
Keith Chegwin. Friend, a fellow euphoric, grafter. I would greet him as ‘former member of the Third Ear Band.” He sang this magical song when a career in legit film and theatre seemed his destiny. See ya, mate…https://t.co/ZqjQWClKU5

December 11, 2017
Keith Chegwin seemed ageless … he came on @BBCRadio2 a lot. Sad loss
Just heard the sad news that Keith Chegwin has passed away. What a lovely man he was. Thoughts are with his family x
Awful news about Keith Chegwin. Remember him with huge fondness from Swop Shop. Always an icon for people my age. #RIPcheggars
Oh no not Mr Keith! Terribly sad, we had such a great time together on the @easterpantotour What a lovely ‘Mr’ and friend. ?RIP @keithchegwin #KeithChegwin pic.twitter.com/9fXpQesTuM — Basil Brush (@realbasilbrush) December 11, 2017
Very sad news about Keith Chegwin. #RIPKeithChegwin. You’ll be missed, Cheggers! pic.twitter.com/GRv9PcK64S
I’m so sad to hear of Keith Chegwin’s passing. He was the ultimate professional TV presenter and always great fun. Rest in peace Keith… you legend.