"True Telly Legend" Keith Chegwin Has Died

Keith, who will probably be best remembered for his children's TV show 'Cheggers Play' and for his gig as a DJ for BBC radio 1, was suffering from "long-term battle with a progressive lung condition".
In his last post on Twitter back on 28 September, Keith said that he wasn't feeling well, but promised, "I'll be back." Sadly, it was a promise that beloved TV presenter was unable to keep.
Tributes are pouring in for the popular media personality, with him even being described as a "true telly legend" by the BBC.

Still not right. I will be back - But not for a bit yet. I’m so sorry

— Keith Chegwin (@keithchegwin) September 28, 2017

The Liverpool-born star began his career as a child actor, and appeared in films such as Roman Polanski's 'Macbeth' and the TV shows 'The Liver Birds', 'The Adventures of Black Beauty' and 'Z-Cars'.
In the mid 1970s, Keith moved away from acting and went on to enjoy a successful TV and radio career with the likes of the BBC and Channel 4. He even appeared on shows like Celebrity Big Brother, hosted the BAFTA's and 'Naked Jungle', which he later described as the "worst move" of his career.
He made an memorable appearance in Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's comedy series 'Life's Too Short', poking fun at himself and also in 'Extras'.

In a statement, 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.
"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."
In a statement, his first wife, TV presenter Maggie Philbin said:"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. I first met him when we did a film about windsurfing when I joined Swap Shop in 1978 and was immediately struck by his fun, energy and kindness.

"He drove me home to Leicestershire from that freezing lake in Staines, insisting it was on his own way home. (He lived in Twickenham). He leaves us all with very special memories."