Chirpy Cheggers was a real one-off
THE news, on Monday, that Keith Chegwin had passed reduced me to tears. I just had to have this picture of him on my page to remind me that in life, Cheggers brought joy wherever he went.
He brought warmth and laughter into a room as soon as he entered, always accompanied by a huge smile and a “Wey hey!” for everyone. Once I even received a text on Christmas Day wishing me “Wey Heys of the season!”
Former colleague Tony Blackburn also recalled his wonderful nature, saying: “There wasn’t a nasty bone in his body – he was great fun to be with. I’ve got a lot of energy but he’s got more. He had a lovely, childish sense of humour”.
He did indeed. In a business where ridiculous self-importance is rife, Cheggers was a shining jewel of normality and kindness.
When he literally erupted into the studio, always armed with a kind word or a silly joke for everyone, we all spontaneously smiled. He treated each and every person the same way, whatever position they held.
But most of all he absolutely loved his audience and always let them know, paying attention and making them feel important. When he turned up on doorsteps to tell GMTV viewers they’d won our competition, he’d take gifts he’d bought himself or Cheggers T-shirts that he’d had printed himself.
He’d learned all about the people he was due to meet and it was vital to him that they enjoyed every minute of their once in a lifetime experience. When the team were out on the road at various locations all over the UK, he’d turn up an hour early to make sure he was well-prepared, spending most of his time warming up the audience and instantaneously prompting big smiles all round as he made each and everyone he spoke to feel special. Cheggers was without doubt unique. He was truly one of the nicest, most hard-working people I’ve met, in any business, not just telly. He was devoid of ego, generous and kind. Everyone who worked with him absolutely loved him. He was a natural talent. He was a real national treasure. The sad thing is, I don’t think he ever thought he was. Bye-bye Cheggers, you absolute legend. You were a one-off.