'I will be back - but not for a bit yet, I'm so sorry': Heartbreaking final tweet by Keith Chegwin as he dies aged 60 in a hospice after a long battle with a lung condition

Star died last night surrounded by wife Maria and children Rose and Ted

Much-loved TV presenter had been ill with lung problem for around six months

Star's last tweet said: 'Still not right. I'll be back - But not for a bit yet. I'm so sorry'

'Cheggers' needed an oxygen tank in recent months and was living in a hospice

His first wife Maggie Philbin said today: 'It is incredibly sad. Keith was a one-off' 

He became a household name presenting Swap Shop and Cheggers Plays Pop

After battle with alcoholism he relaunched his career on Big Breakfast and CBB 

TV great Keith Chegwin has died today aged 60 after a secret long-term battle with an incurable lung condition.

The star died in a hospice at around midnight last night surrounded by his second wife Maria and two children Rose and Ted who described him as a 'loving husband and father'.

'Cheggers' became a household name presenting Swap Shop and Cheggers Plays Pop in the 1970s followed by Saturday Superstore in the 1980s.

After a high-profile battle with alcoholism he disappeared from national TV before relaunching his career on Channel 4's Big Breakfast.

Most recently he appeared in Ricky Gervais' sitcom Life's Too Short, Dancing on Ice in 2013 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2015. His final pantomime performance in March 2016 was in Beauty and the Beast.

His family today revealed he had been seriously ill for around six months and required an oxygen tank to breathe and told fans in his final tweet in September: 'Still not right. I will be back - But not for a bit yet. I'm so sorry'. 

Keith Chegwin (pictured in 2016) has died today aged 60 after battling a 'long-term battle with a progressive lung condition'


'Cheggers' became a household name presenting Swap Shop and Cheggers Plays Pop in the 1970s (pictured left on Get It Together in 1979 and right at home in 1980)


Keith was at the height of his fame in the 1980s as the star of Saturday Superstore (pictured in 1980) but put his career on hold while he battled alcoholism


His poignant last tweet was in September this year and he told his fans: 'Still not right. I will be back - But not for a bit yet. I'm so sorry'

In a statement, the entertainer's 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 December 11. 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.' 

Cheggers was suffering from Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) - a condition in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult.

The rare condition usually hits people in their forties and fifties who rarely survive more than five years from diagnosis.

Keith was living in a Shropshire hospice having been told that there was not treatment, including a transplant, that could save him.

One person who came across him there recently told MailOnline: 'I have never known, in my entire career, such an uplifting patient. His endless cheerfulness brightened the ward not just for patients but for staff too. He was bothered by patients, staff and visitors, an awful lot, but never turned anyone away or ignored them. He made and had time for everyone. Making people laugh you'd never thought he was so unwell'.

Mr Chegwin was previously married to Tomorrow's World presenter Maggie Philbin.

She said in a statement on her website: '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'.

Keith Chegwin and his son Ted pictured at a Bob the Builder Gala Charity Performance in 2002. His son and daughter Rose were with him when he died

Keith Chegwin and his first wife Maggie Philbin with their newborn daughter Rose in 1988, who was at his side when he died last night

The larger-than-life character was known for his enthusiasm and laughter, whown here having stripped for a new Channel 5 game show: 'Naked Jungle' in 2000, later describing it as the 'worst career move' of his 'entire life'
Chegwin, known as Cheggers, started his career as an actor but became a household name as a TV presenter of shows such as Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, Cheggers Plays Pop and Saturday Superstore.

He made no secret of his battle with alcoholism but staged a comeback in recent years when he was a regular on reality TV.

He took part in Dancing On Ice in 2013 and Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity Big Brother in 2015, when he came fourth and said that while his experience in the house had been a 'nightmare' from beginning to end, he 'actually quite enjoyed it'. 

Celebrities from the worlds of sport, business and entertainment posted messages online after the news broke.

TV presenter John Craven, who appeared on Swap Shop and Saturday Superstore with Chegwin, said: 'I never saw Keith without a smile. He was always bubbly, positive, full of fun.

'I first met him when he was 19 and he had just joined Noel Edmonds and I on the Saturday morning children's show Multi-Coloured Swap Shop.

'We were in a cosy studio while Keith was out on location in all weathers, doing his swapping with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of children and his genuine cheerful enthusiasm never left him. I couldn't believe how professional he was for one so young.

'We worked together for ten years and remained good friends, which doesn't always happen when strangers are thrust together on a television show. He was a master of the off-the-cuff remark and always made his job look so easy, whatever show he was doing, which is the true mark of a star on top of his game. Keith was much loved and will be much missed.'

Noel Edmonds, his Swap Shop co-presenter, said in a statement: '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. 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.

'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.

'He was a very generous performer. Keith was indeed larger than life but he never stole the spotlight. He was an all-round entertainer- a very funny comedian and accomplished musician and singer. He was at his best on location, with a film crew chasing him and a member of the public about to be surprised on their doorstep.

'The greatest achievement for any TV performer is for the viewers to regard you as a friend and today millions will be grateful for Keith's contribution to their childhood memories and like me they will mourn the passing of a friend.' 

Keith relaunched his career after battling the bottle on the Big Breakfast (pictured with Zoe Ball and her mother in 1996)

Keith Chegwin's battle with booze and support for Ant McPartlin

Keith Chegwin (right in 1978) spoke openly about his fight against alcoholism during an interview with daytime TV show This Morning in 1992.

The TV presenter has died aged 60 after a long-term battle with a progressive lung condition, his family said.

Chegwin, who was 34 at the time of the frank interview, said: 'I am an alcoholic. It's a disease.'

He said his hectic work schedule led him into a downward spiral where he needed a drink to relax and help him sleep.

Chegwin told show hosts Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan: 'I'm just frightened because, God, I could so easily pick up a drink.

'I was in the hotel last night. I would have loved to have sat in the bar and had a drink but I couldn't.

'The moment I have a drink, then bang I am gone. It won't be a couple of gin and tonics, it would be like two bottles.'

When Chegwin appeared on the show he had had two four-week spells in a drying out clinic.

He said he battled against the bottle by checking into a private clinic but started drinking as soon as he came out, adding: 'I just said, 'Oh sod it, I'll see if this clinic has worked or not and I'll just have one'. But the trouble is I can't just have one.'

Earlier this year the Swap Shop presenter tweeted his best wishes to presenter Ant McPartlin, who received treatment for depression and alcohol and substance abuse.

Chegwin wrote: 'My sincere best wishes to Ant @antanddec I know just how hard it can be. Be proud - you're a very brave and honest man. Good luck x.'

Stars from the world of entertainment have paid tribute to the TV presenter. 

Cheggers appeared on Dancing on Ice in 2013 and on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015 - his last major TV appearance 

Former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno said: '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.'

DJ Tony Blackburn said he was 'absolutely devastated' to hear of his friend's death, adding: 'He was one of the nicest people I have ever known and over the years we did shows together and became great friends.'  

This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield tweeted: 'I'm so stunned to hear that the utterly lovely Keith Chegwin has died. Can't get my head round this. One of my original Saturday morning heroes. Sending all my love to his family.'

Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness added: 'Such sad news. Very much a part of my childhood. RIP Keith Chegwin.'

Loose Women's Sherrie Hewson tweeted: 'So very sad to hear the news about Keith Chegwin. Lovely, talented man. RIP.'

Entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne said the entertainer was 'too young to go', calling the news 'so sad'.

TV presenter Gaby Roslin said‏: '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. My love to his family.'

MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis said: 'Awful news about Keith Chegwin. Remember him with huge fondness from Swop Shop. Always an icon for people my age.' 

RARE LUNG CONDITION CLAIMS CHEGGERS' LIFE

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult.

IPF has a prognosis worse than many cancers and most sufferers go on to develop respiratory failure and die of suffocation as their lung capacity reduces. 

The disease – which kills 5,300 people every year – creates a build-up of scar tissue in the lung which makes them thick and less able to take in oxygen.

Regardless of treatment, people with IPF, which usually strikes those in their late 40s or early 50s - on average only live for around three to five years from diagnosis.

Although still considered a rare disease, IPF has become more common in both the UK and the US over the last 30 years.

The symptoms of IPF tend to develop gradually and get slowly worse over time.

• Symptoms can include:
• shortness of breath
• a persistent dry cough
• tiredness
• loss of appetite and weight loss
• rounded and swollen fingertips (clubbed fingers)

There is no cure and it's very difficult to predict how long someone with IPF will survive at the time of diagnosis.

Regular monitoring over time can indicate whether it's getting worse quickly or slowly.

How darling of children's TV Keith Chegwin was a 13-year-old child star who became household name on Swap Shop before battling booze and relaunching his career 

Keith Chegwin became a household name hosting Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, Cheggers Plays Pop and Saturday Superstore.

Born in Walton, Liverpool, the star, known to millions as Cheggers, started out as a child actor. 

In later years he took part in shows such as Dancing On Ice in 2013, Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity Big Brother both in 2015.

Chegwin rose to fame alongside Noel Edmonds on the hit Saturday morning children's show Multi-Coloured Swap Shop between 1976 and 1982.

He also fronted his own hit show Cheggers Plays Pop in the 1970s and 80s.

'People always say 'you must regret doing Cheggers Plays Pop', but I say 'No, I had some fantastic times',' he told the Liverpool Echo.

Born in Walton, Liverpool, Keith, known to millions as Cheggers, started out as a child actor.

Keith Chegwin became a household name hosting Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, Cheggers Plays Pop and Saturday Superstore in the 1970s (Get It Together in 1979). He married co-star Maggie Philbin in 1982 but they divorced in 199

Keith Chegwin and Pat Coombs in 'Playbox' as his career was troubled by alcohol addiction

Keith with his broadcaster sister Janice Long, who he saw get married in September and was 'life and soul of the party'

He disappeared from TV screens for a number of years during a well-documented battle with alcohol.

But he made a comeback as a host of Channel 4's Big Breakfast in the 1990s.

Chegwin controversially bared all in Channel Five's Naked Jungle, later describing it as the 'worst career move' of his 'entire life'.

As an actor, Chegwin appeared in films, TV dramas and adverts.

He enjoyed roles in films including Roman Polanski's adaptation of Macbeth and in 2004, Shaun Of The Dead.

He was also a well-known face on GMTV.

In 2001, Chegwin launched a website venture which treated viewers to his own version of shows such as This Morning and The Generation Game.

His TV appearances were limited largely to reality TV and pantomime, appearing for in the final time on stage 18 months ago. 

The star died aged 60 after battling a progressive lung condition.

Keith Chegwin dances with Olga Sharutenko on ITV's Dancing on Ice in 2013

Keith Chegwin at the BAFTA Children's Awards in London in 2015. His final public performace came in panto in March 2016

'I can't bear the news. So generous and kind. Bye, bye Cheggers': Keith Chegwin's Big Breakfast co-star Gaby Roslin leads tributes to much-loved presenter

Tributes have been paid to the 'utterly lovely' TV presenter Keith Chegwin who has died at the age of 60 following a long illness.

The star, best known for hosting children's game show Cheggers Play Pop, died at home after battling a progressive lung condition.

Big Breakfast's Gaby Roslin led the tributes to the presenter today saying: '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. My love to his family.'

Chegwin was previously married to fellow TV presenter Maggie Philbin, whom he had met on Swap Shop.

Stars have paid tribute to their great friend Keith Chegwin who died last night aged 60

Chegwin was known for hosting programmes including children's game show Cheggers Plays Pop, as well as Swap Shop.

Celebrities from the worlds of sport, business and entertainment posted touching messages online after the news broke.

Broadcaster Tony Blackburn said: '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.'

TV presenter Philip Schofield tweeted: '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.'

BBC TV antiques expert David Harper said: 'Very sad to hear Keith Chegwin has died. I first met him ten years ago and last heard from him only a few weeks ago. He was just as you saw him on TV. Funny, friendly, warm and utterly charming.'

Comedian Paddy McGuinness said: 'Such sad news. Very much a part of my childhood. RIP Keith Chegwin.'

TalkSport presenter Geoff Peters tweeted: 'Sad news, taken too young. A huge part of our childhoods with Swap Shop and especially Cheggers Plays Pop. RIP.'

Boxer Frank Bruno tweeted: '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.'

NME journalist Nick Levine‏ added: 'RIP Keith Chegwin. I interviewed him once and he was really funny and self-deprecating. He also kept the interview going much longer than he was supposed to. A real pro.'

Meanwhile entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne said the entertainer was 'too young to go', calling the news 'so sad'.

Loose Women's Sherrie Hewson tweeted: 'So very sad to hear the news about Keith Chegwin. Lovely, talented man. RIP.'