Tributes as ‘true telly legend’ Keith Chegwin dies at 60
BROADCASTERS have paid tribute to TV presenter Keith Chegwin after he died aged 60 following a long illness.
Famous for presenting programmes including BBC’s Swap Shop and Cheggers Plays Pop, the star’s later career also saw him appear as a roving reporter for Channel 4’s Big Breakfast and on Celebrity Big Brother.
He died at home yesterday after battling a progressive lung condition.
In 1977, Swap Shop came to Kirkistown in Co Down and local children turned out in their droves with articles for swapping.
One man who was at the racing circuit recalled on Twitter how he was delighted at coming face-to-face with the presenter.
“I met Keith
Chegwin way back in 1977 when Swap Shop did a live show from Kirkistown. Gloria Hunniford was also there and I remember ‘Cheggers’ did a lap of the circuit with sidecar ace Lowry Burton.”
In 1981, Chegwin hosted another edition of Swap Shop in Londonderry during the coldest winter re- corded in 20 years.
Broadcasting live outside the Guildhall in freezing conditions, he told viewers with his trademark cheery style: “We are in Derry, if you wanna join us you’re more than welcome to on the roadshow. As usual we’ve got loads and loads of things happening.” Yesterday his stunned former co-stars on Swap Shop shared their fond memories.
Noel Edmonds remembered him as a “true telly legend”.
“I’ve lost my first real telly chum and I’m certain I’m not alone in shedding tears for a true telly legend,” said Edmonds. “He was an extraordinary showman capable of entertaining a vast crowd of excited children during the long periods between his live contributions to the show.”
He added: “I never saw Keith flustered or lost for words.
“In fact, now I think about it, I never saw him upset or angry. I never heard Cheggers say a bad word about anyone.
“Like all true professionals, he possessed the knack of reinventing himself time and time again.”
Tony Blackburn first worked with Chegwin at BBC Radio 1.
“We always got on very well — he was the nicest person I’ve ever met, there wasn’t a mean bone in his body,” he said.
Comedian Ricky Gervais, who cast Chegwin in his TV shows Extras and Life’s Too Short, described him as a “national treasure”.
And Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans said: “Very sad and shocked to hear of the passing of Keith Chegwin. The king of outside broadcast.”
In a statement announcing Chegwin’s death, his family said they were “heartbroken” by his loss and that his wife Maria, daughter Rose and son Ted were by his side at the end.
The statement added: “Keith was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend.
“We would respectfully ask to be left to mourn his passing in private.”