Well loved entertainer, actor and TV presenter Keith Chegwin has died at the age of 60, his family announced today. The star had been battling a progressive lung condition.
‘Cheggers’ as he was affectionately known, became a regular fixture at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre, where he trod the boards on three occasions, as Buttons in Cinderella, Wishee Wasee in Aladdin and most recently, for the 2013/14 season as Silly Billy in Jack and the Beanstalk.
He is fondly remembered by Wyvern Theatre Director Derek Aldridge who said: “My main memory of him is of someone who was always able to put a smile on people’s faces. If you think of his work on the Big Breakfast a few years ago, he used to do these outside broadcasts out and about meeting members of the public, live and with no script, but he was able to conjure great television out of thin air. He was a real talent and an all round people person. It was a unique gift to have. We had lots of good times and was a true professional to work with.
“He was far too young to die and it’s a great loss as he had so much more to give.”
Link editor Jamie Hill recalled: “He was great. I remember him calling me up to rearrange an interview and he greeted me with ‘Wahey! It’s Cheggers!” He was exactly like the guy you see on the TV, full of life and laughter. It was one of my favourite interviews. We talked about how he was always happy no matter what and that it did sometimes wind people up but he couldn’t help it. He was just a happy guy!”
Keith Chegwin became a household name as the star of Cheggers Plays Pop and his appearances on Top of the Pops, The Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and Saturday Superstore.
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