County star Cheggers dies, aged 60
Showbusiness personalities have paid tribute to television star Keith Chegwin, who died peacefully at his Shropshire home aged 60.
The former Swap Shop star, who earlier this year moved to a country retreat between Whitchurch and Wem, had been suffering for some time with a progressive lung disease.
The entertainer, who also fronted the children's TV series Cheggers Plays Pop, died during the early hours of yesterday morning.
During his last weeks he was receiving support from Severn Hospice.
A statement from 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. 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."
His ex-wife, Swap Shop co-star Maggie Philbin, described the Chegwin as a "one-off".
"Keith was full of life, generous and with a focus on things that mattered – his family," she said.
"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."
Noel Edmonds, who fronted Swap Shop when it ran from 1976-82, said:
"I've lost my first real telly chum and I'm certain I'm not alone in shedding tears for a true telly legend.
"Cheggers and I launched Swap Shop together. Yes, we had the wonderful broadcaster John Craven to keep us in line but it was the chemistry between myself and Keith that initially created the Swap Shop magic that enthralled millions of children every Saturday morning on BBC 1. Only those who've presented live television really know how difficult it is to make it look easy.
"I had the luxury of hosting the show from behind the desk in a warm studio but Keith was out on the road in all weathers.
"I never saw Keith flustered or lost for words. I never saw him upset or angry. I never heard Cheggers say a bad word about anyone."
