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Keith Chegwin (17 January 1957 – 11 December 2017), also known by the nickname Cheggers, was an English television presenter and actor, appearing in several children's entertainment shows in the 1970s and 1980s, including Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and Cheggers Plays Pop.

Key Information

Chegwin's early career saw him performing in such West End stage shows as Tom Brown's School Days and Captain Pugwash. He also had a career as a singer, releasing singles on the Pye Records label and worked as a disc jockey for 194 Radio City in Liverpool. He spent four years at BBC Radio 1 on Tony Blackburn's weekend morning show. In 2000, he presented the Channel 5 nudist game-show Naked Jungle, appearing naked except for a hat and later describing it as "the worst career move" in his life.

Chegwin was known for his off-the-cuff ad-lib style of broadcasting and stated that no one had ever written a word for him. In 2012, he was scheduled to take part in the 7th series of Dancing on Ice, but he was forced to withdraw after breaking three ribs and fracturing his shoulder on the first day of training. In 2015, he was a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother series 15 where he finished in fourth place.

Chegwin died on 11 December 2017 of the lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Early life

[edit]

Chegwin was born in Walton, Liverpool, on 17 January 1957.[1] His elder sister was future DJ Janice Long (1955–2021).[2][3] He also had a twin brother, Jeff, with whom he attended stage school and whose son, Hugo Chegwin, co-created and starred in BBC Three mockumentary sitcom People Just Do Nothing.[4]

Chegwin entered an end-of-the-pier talent competition in Rhyl, North Wales, and later joined 'The Happy Wanderers', a concert party that toured the pubs and clubs of the North West. He was then spotted by June Collins (mother of Phil Collins) of the Barbara Speake Stage School on Junior Showtime, a Yorkshire Television children's talent series. She invited him to London to audition for the stage show Mame with Ginger Rogers. He attended stage school with his twin brother, Jeff. As part of a play he performed in at the school, Chegwin sang the first song that Phil Collins ever wrote.[5]

Early career

[edit]

While at school, Chegwin auditioned and gained roles on TV, film and stage. He appeared in Children's Film Foundation productions, including as Egghead Wentworth in The Troublesome Double (1967) and Egghead's Robot (1970).[6] His most prestigious acting role was that of Fleance in Roman Polanski's film Macbeth (1971); he also had a small role in the film The Optimists of Nine Elms (1973).

In 1973 Chegwin appeared in the pilot episode of Open All Hours. After that he had parts in The Liver Birds, The Adventures of Black Beauty, My Old Man, Village Hall, Z-Cars (both 1974), ITV's The Wackers and The Tomorrow People serial Worlds Away (both 1975).[7]

Chegwin's last major acting role was the title role in the film Robin Hood Junior (1975), although he had two small roles with Tom Courtenay in the Chester Mystery Cycle (1976) and some years later in the film Whatever Happened to Harold Smith? (1999). He appeared in TV ads for products such as Pepsi and Cadbury Creme Eggs[8] as well as for Ready Brek, Toffo and Tizer,[9] and was also associated with the Freemans catalogue.[10]

Chegwin performed in West End stage shows such as Tom Brown's School Days with Russell Grant and Simon Le Bon; The Good Old Bad Old Days with Anthony Newley; and Captain Pugwash by John Kennett at the King's Road Theatre in 1973.[11] He had a career as a singer, releasing singles on the Cherub and Pye record labels, such as 'I'll Never Fall in Love Again' (1977), but turned down an offer to front the band Kenny (who had a number 3 hit in the UK singles chart with "The Bump").[1][12][13] He also worked as a disc jockey for 194 Radio City in Liverpool,[citation needed] and worked at BBC Radio 1 on Tony Blackburn's weekend morning show for four years.[12][14]

Presenting and later career

[edit]
Chegwin on the stage of Ossett Town Hall in West Yorkshire in 1981

In the mid-1970s, Chegwin moved away from acting, becoming a household name presenting programmes such as Multi-Coloured Swap Shop (1976–82), Cheggers Plays Pop (1978–86) and, in the 1980s, Saturday Superstore.[15] As Brown Sauce, he and Swap Shop co-presenters Noel Edmonds and Maggie Philbin released the pop single "I Wanna Be a Winner", which reached number 15 in January 1982,[16] and a follow-up single as the Saucers called "Spring Has Sprung". On Swap Shop and Superstore, he was featured in outside broadcasts; on Swap Shop they were called Swaparama, appearing at outdoor venues around Britain, where he helped children swap their toys. On Superstore, Chegwin had a similar role.[17]

Chegwin was known for his off-the-cuff ad-lib style of broadcasting. He stated that no-one had ever written a word for him. Chegwin's career waned in the late 1980s and 1990s, due to his alcoholism, as detailed, in his own words, in his semi-autobiographical book, Shaken But Not Stirred.[18] From 1989 to 1991, he hosted the live nightly Sky talent programme Sky Star Search.[19] Chegwin stopped drinking after his appearance on the Richard and Judy show This Morning on 5 November 1992. Chegwin's career regained speed in 1993 when he presented the "Down Your Doorstep" outside broadcast segment on The Big Breakfast[17] and subsequently hosted the show from 1995 to 1996. Chegwin also presented a short-lived cookery show called The Heat is On for UK Living in 1997. Only 1 series of the show was produced and was not renewed for further series.[20][21] Chegwin went on to present a revived version of the 1970s gameshow It's a Knockout on Channel 5 from 1999 to 2000.[22] He also toured the country hosting Graham Fisher's International Knockout for corporate and charity events.[citation needed]

In 2000 Chegwin presented his own internet TV show, where his daily audience for the seven-week trial reached over 250,000. Chegwin presented the Yorkshire Television-made Channel 5 nudist gameshow Naked Jungle, appearing naked except for a hat. He identified making the show as "the worst career move" in his life.[22][23]

Chegwin worked for seven years on GMTV. In 2006 he appeared as himself in an episode of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's comedy series Extras.[23] Chegwin frequently wrote jingles for the Chris Moyles Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 1.[24] For seven years he ran his own web-based bingo site Cheggersbingo.[25]

In 2007 Chegwin voiced and starred in the quiz-based video game Cheggers Party Quiz, in which a CGI version of himself acts as a quizmaster. The game was developed by Oxygen Interactive and released on Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2 and PC.[26] The game was met with mixed reviews.[27][28]

In November 2011 Chegwin played himself in the comedy horror film Kill Keith.[29] In August 2012, he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Reality TV Awards.[30][31]

Chegwin was originally set to take part in the seventh series of Dancing on Ice, but he was forced to withdraw after breaking three ribs and fracturing his shoulder on the first day of training with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.[32] Chegwin joined the eighth series of Dancing on Ice partnered with Olga Sharutenko. Chegwin was eliminated on 17 February 2013.[32] From October 2013 to January 2014, he played the part of Drosselmeyer in the 'Nutcracker On Ice' with Imperial Ice Stars from Russia at the London Palladium.[33]

On 19 October 2013 Chegwin took part in a celebrity episode of The Chase. In September 2014 he was a contestant on BBC1's Pointless Celebrities show.[34]

In 2015 Chegwin took part in the fifteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5. On 6 February, he finished in fourth place.[35] He took part in the 2015 series of Celebrity MasterChef, won by Kimberly Wyatt of the Pussycat Dolls.[36] In the same year he made a cameo appearance as himself in BBC Two's comedy-drama A Gert Lush Christmas where he is revealed to be a friend of Tony (Greg Davies). He also hosted the 2015 BAFTA television and film industry awards.[2]

In later years Chegwin was a popular pantomime dame and in March 2016 appeared in the Easter pantomime tour of Beauty and the Beast.[37]

Personal life

[edit]

From 1982 to 1993, Chegwin was married to presenter Maggie Philbin with whom he had a daughter.[38] He later married Maria Anne Fielden and they had a son.[39]

Chegwin regularly made public appearances around the UK and was involved in charity work.[40]

Chegwin and his wife lived in Ashmansworth, Hampshire,[41] but moved to a country home in the area of Shropshire between Whitchurch and Wem, partly because they wanted to be closer to family further north.[42]

Death

[edit]

In a 2001 interview, Chegwin said he smoked 60 cigarettes a day and was a recovering alcoholic.[43][failed verification] He died at his home in Shropshire on 11 December 2017, having been ill with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung disease, for an extended period.[44] He was 60 years old.[45]

Filmography

[edit]

Source: [46]

Year Title Role Notes
1967 The Troublesome Double Egghead Wentworth
1970 Egghead's Robot Paul 'Egghead' Wentworth
1971 Macbeth Fleance
1973 The Optimists of Nine Elms Georgie Uncredited
1975 Robin Hood Junior Robin
1999 Whatever Happened to Harold Smith? Hugh Pimm
2000 House! Himself
2001 Tabloid Himself
2001 The 51st State Himself
2004 Shaun of the Dead Himself Voice
2006 Extras Himself
2011 Kill Keith Himself
2011 Life's Too Short Himself

Works

[edit]
  • Chegwin, Keith (1995). Shaken But Not Stirred. Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 978-0-340-63978-8. (autobiography)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Keith Chegwin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Keith Chegwin (17 January 1957 – 11 December 2017) was an English , , and entertainer renowned for his energetic hosting style on popular children's programmes during the 1970s and 1980s. Born in , , to parents Colin (a timber merchant) and (a former dinner lady), he began his career as a after being talent-spotted at age 10, appearing in films like Roman Polanski's (1971, as ) and The Optimists of Nine Elms (1973), as well as television series such as , , and . Chegwin rose to national prominence in 1976 as a co-host of the groundbreaking Saturday morning show , which ran until 1982 and featured viewer phone-ins, swaps, and celebrity guests alongside and , whom he later married in 1982. He continued his success with Cheggers Plays Pop (1978–1986), a music-based , and (1982–1987), solidifying his "Cheggers" nickname and status as a household name for a generation of British children. In the , Chegwin faced career setbacks and personal struggles, including , which he publicly addressed in 1992, and a high-profile from Philbin in 1993, with whom he had a daughter, (born 1988); he remarried Maria Fielden in 2000, with whom he had a son, Ted (born 1998). Despite these challenges, Chegwin staged a comeback in the 2000s and 2010s through reality television appearances on shows like The Big Breakfast, Dancing on Ice, Celebrity MasterChef, and Celebrity Big Brother (where he placed fourth in 2015), as well as controversial ventures such as the naturist programme Naked Jungle (2000) and online platforms like CheggersBingo.com. He also ventured into music, achieving a UK No. 15 hit with Philbin on "I Wanna Be a Winner" (1982), and published a memoir, Shaken But Not Stirred (1995). Chegwin died at his home in Shropshire on 11 December 2017, aged 60, after a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare lung disease.

Early Life

Family and Childhood

Keith Chegwin was born on 17 January 1957 in , , into a working-class . His , Colin Chegwin, worked in the timber trade, while his mother, Margaret (née Wells), had been a dinner lady. The lived in a in the Walton area, a post-war Liverpool neighborhood shaped by the city's industrial heritage and community spirit. Chegwin grew up alongside his elder sister, (born 1955), and his twin brother, Jeff Chegwin, in what was a close-knit household. From an early age, he displayed a star-struck enthusiasm for entertainment, often captivating his family with impressions of performers like and . This budding interest in performance was nurtured amid everyday family life in , where local culture and gatherings provided informal inspiration, though Chegwin left formal education early, attending the from age 10 after nearly dropping out of regular schooling without academic qualifications. His sibling relationships played a key role in his formative years; he shared a particularly strong bond with Janice, who later became a prominent presenter known for her work on Radio 1 and Radio 2. , meanwhile, pursued his own path in the entertainment industry, focusing on music promotion and . These , rooted in Liverpool's vibrant yet modest environment, laid the groundwork for Chegwin's outgoing personality and lifelong affinity for .

Entry into Show Business

Chegwin's entry into show business began at the age of nine when he appeared on the ITV talent show Junior Showtime (1966–1969), performing as a singer and comedian. Prior to this, he had won a local talent competition at an end-of-the-pier show in Rhyl, North Wales, with a rendition of a Des O'Connor song, which led to his first paid engagements singing in working men's clubs across the North West with the concert party group The Happy Wanderers starting at age 11. His performance on Junior Showtime caught the attention of June Collins, mother of musician and an agent for the in , who spotted his potential and invited him to audition for opportunities in the West End. With support from his parents and twin brother , who also attended the school, Chegwin relocated to around age 12 to enroll at , funding his training through earnings from early gigs like those with The Happy Wanderers. There, he honed his skills in singing, dancing, and acting, even performing the first song written by in a school production. By age 13, Chegwin had secured his first major West End role in the musical Mame at the Theatre, where he tap-danced alongside , marking a significant step from local performances to professional theater. This transition brought initial challenges, including homesickness after leaving and the demands of adapting to rigorous professional schedules as a teenager, though his enthusiasm helped him persevere. In 1972, at age 15, he appeared in the revue The Good Old Bad Old Days at the Prince of Wales Theatre alongside , further establishing his stage presence.

Career

Early Acting Roles

Keith Chegwin's entry into acting followed his discovery as a child performer on the ITV children's Junior Showtime in , where he showcased his talents and caught the attention of agents. This early exposure led to roles in film and television during his adolescence, establishing him as a versatile young in British productions. His film debut came in 1970 at age 13, playing the lead role of Paul "Egghead" Wentworth in the production Egghead's Robot, a sci-fi adventure aimed at young audiences. Chegwin followed this in 1971 with the role of , son of , in Roman Polanski's of Shakespeare's , a gritty and violent interpretation that marked a significant early credit for the aspiring performer. In 1973, he took a small part alongside in the family drama The Optimists of Nine Elms, directed by , which highlighted his ability to contribute to ensemble casts in more dramatic fare. By 1975, Chegwin starred in the title role of Robin Hood Junior, a lighthearted that showcased his youthful energy in a historical context. On television, Chegwin appeared in several popular British series during the early while still attending . He featured in episodes of (1972), playing a supporting role in the family-oriented adventure show. That same year, he had a brief appearance in , the long-running Liverpool-set sitcom, as a schoolboy in a doctor's scene. In 1973, Chegwin guest-starred in the pilot episode of , the comedy that would later become a staple, contributing to its early development. Additional television credits included , a gritty police drama, further demonstrating his range in dramatic roles. Chegwin also ventured into stage work, notably tap-dancing in the West End production of the musical Mame at the Theatre, where he performed alongside after being talent-spotted. These acting opportunities provided Chegwin with initial fame and experience in the industry, but by the mid-1970s, he transitioned toward television presenting, leveraging his charismatic persona in lighter entertainment formats.

Radio and Music Endeavors

Chegwin's radio career began in the when he worked as a for Liverpool's 194 Radio City, establishing himself in local with an energetic style that complemented his emerging public persona. He transitioned to national airwaves with occasional holiday cover shifts on during the decade, before securing a more prominent role assisting on the station's weekend morning show from around 1980 to 1984, often co-presenting alongside and incorporating listener interactions and music segments. These broadcasts highlighted Chegwin's humorous, upbeat delivery, which helped solidify his "Cheggers" nickname among audiences. In parallel, Chegwin ventured into music recording during his early career, releasing several singles in the 1970s that tied into his acting phase, such as the 1973 cover "I'll Take You Back" on Cherub Records and the 1977 single "Put Your Head on My Shoulder / We Went All the Way" on Pye Records. He followed with additional releases like "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" in 1977, also on Pye, focusing on pop covers that showcased his lighthearted vocal approach but achieved limited commercial traction. Collaborations marked his later efforts, including the 1981 single "More to Love" with his brother Jeff Chegwin on Secret Records, and novelty tracks like "Gonna Be a Fool No More" with White Liez in 1983 on Moon Records. A notable group project came with Brown Sauce—a supergroup featuring Chegwin, Maggie Philbin, and Noel Edmonds—whose 1981 single "I Wanna Be a Winner" reached No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart, serving as a tie-in to their BBC children's programming. Despite modest chart performance overall, Chegwin's music endeavors reinforced his playful image through humorous, accessible pop and novelty productions, while his radio slots in the and emphasized engaging, family-oriented content that built listener loyalty without major breakthroughs. In the , he made occasional appearances on , contributing to lighter entertainment segments amid a shifting career focus.

Peak Television Presenting

Keith Chegwin's breakthrough in television came with the BBC1 children's programme , which aired from 1976 to 1982 and co-starred as the main host, alongside and, from the third series, . The innovative live format combined phone-ins for viewers to swap items via a "Top Ten" board, celebrity interviews, cartoons, music performances, and educational segments like Newsround reports, filling the Saturday morning slot from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Chegwin's role focused on the energetic "Swaporama" segments, where he conducted on-location vox pops and facilitated real-time swaps, embodying his cheeky Scouser persona and infectious enthusiasm that appealed to both children and adults. The show ran for six series and 146 episodes, handling 5,850 viewer calls and featuring 450 guests, establishing it as a pioneering success in interactive children's programming and contributing to the BBC's dominance in Saturday morning television. Following Swap Shop, Chegwin transitioned to solo presenting with Cheggers Plays Pop on ITV from 1978 to 1986, a music-based that solidified his status as a children's TV icon. The format pitted two schools against each other in pop quizzes, physical challenges reminiscent of , and live performances by chart-topping acts, with Chegwin's high-energy hosting—complete with his signature "Ta-ra!" sign-off and participation in inflatables—fostering direct audience engagement. Running for eight series, the programme highlighted his boyish charm and ability to blend competition with entertainment, earning him the enduring nickname "Cheggers" among fans. Chegwin's peak era also included co-hosting duties on (1982–1987), the BBC successor to Swap Shop, which maintained the interactive spirit through viewer letters, phone-ins, and a mobile "Delivery Van" roadshow for on-the-ground segments. His style, characterized by relentless energy and audience-focused antics, defined this golden age of family-friendly broadcasting in the 1970s and 1980s, where he became synonymous with the era's vibrant children's television. During Swap Shop, Chegwin began a personal relationship with co-host , whom he later married in 1982.

Later Career and Reality TV

In the 1990s, Chegwin's career entered a period of decline, largely attributed to public perceptions of his struggles with , which he openly discussed on ITV's This Morning in 1992, admitting, "I am an alcoholic." Despite these challenges, he contributed to Channel 4's as a presenter from 1995 to 1996, handling the "Down Your Doorstep" outside broadcast segment that involved on-location reporting from viewers' homes. Toward the decade's end, he hosted a short-lived revival of the game show on Channel 5 in 1999, attempting to recapture his earlier success in formats. The early 2000s saw Chegwin embrace more controversial projects, most notably hosting the one-off Channel 5 game show in 2000, where he and contestants competed in an assault course while fully nude to celebrate World Naturism Day; the program drew widespread criticism for its perceived tastelessness and prompted viewer complaints to . This appearance, alongside cameo roles in comedies like the BBC's (2001) as hairdresser Ray, highlighted a shift toward self-deprecating, adult-oriented humor that leaned into his public persona. Chegwin's resurgence came through reality television in the mid-2000s and , beginning with guest spots on shows like BBC's Celebrity MasterChef in 2015, where he competed alongside figures such as . His most prominent return was as a housemate on Channel 5's series 15 in 2015, where his affable, unscripted demeanor endeared him to audiences, leading to a fourth-place finish after 26 days in the house. These appearances, including minor cameos in projects like Extras (2006) and Life's Too Short (2011), revitalized his profile by capitalizing on nostalgia for his earlier work while showcasing a more vulnerable, boisterous side shaped by personal health battles.

Personal Life

Marriages and Children

Keith Chegwin married his co-presenter in 1982, after meeting her on the children's programme where she joined the team in 1978. The couple's wedding took place at the Parish Church in Little Stretton, near , . Their marriage ended amicably in divorce in 1993, and they maintained a friendly relationship thereafter. Philbin and Chegwin had one daughter, Rose, born in 1988 and named after Rosemary Gill, the editor who had given Philbin her start on the show. Following the divorce, Chegwin began a relationship in the late with Maria Fielden, who had previously worked as the family and lived with the family. The couple married in 2000 and remained together until Chegwin's death in 2017. They had one son, Ted, born in 1998. In 2017, Chegwin and Fielden moved to a countryside home in , where they enjoyed a quieter life closer to Chegwin's extended relatives. Rose maintained contact with her father post-divorce, and Philbin spoke warmly of their ongoing ties in tributes following Chegwin's passing. Chegwin's older sister, DJ , died on 25 December 2021 at age 66 following a short illness, marking a profound loss for the family just four years after Chegwin's own death and underscoring the Chegwin siblings' shared legacy in British broadcasting.

Health Issues and Controversies

Throughout his career, Keith Chegwin struggled with , which he publicly acknowledged in a 1992 interview on This Morning, where he described it as a exacerbated by his demanding work schedule. He later detailed the severity of his in a 2001 interview with , revealing that it contributed to a period of heavy daily drinking and smoking up to 60 cigarettes a day. Chegwin entered rehabilitation three times during the , a process linked to the decline in his professional opportunities during that era. These battles with alcohol were compounded by episodes of depression, particularly following his 1993 , during which he admitted to contemplating as part of his broader struggles with . Chegwin's personal challenges occasionally spilled into his professional life, leading to notable controversies. In the same 1992 This Morning appearance, he unexpectedly confessed his alcoholism mid-interview, catching hosts Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan off guard and highlighting the pressures of live television. His decision to host the 2000 Channel 5 game show Naked Jungle entirely nude—alongside naked contestants—drew criticism for promoting objectification, though the Independent Television Commission rejected formal complaints, deeming it in good taste. Additionally, in 2003, tabloid newspaper The People published an unsubstantiated story about Chegwin, prompting the outlet to retract it and face potential six-figure damages for the financial harm caused to his reputation and earnings. In response to his difficulties, Chegwin became involved in charitable efforts to support others facing similar issues. He actively backed the , participating in events to grant wishes for seriously ill children and using his platform to advocate for their well-being. Chegwin's public image as "Cheggers"—the affable, boyish everyman—often embraced his imperfections, portraying him as a relatable figure despite the that limited his roles to lighthearted presenting. This persona, while endearing to fans, reinforced perceptions of him as a "loveable rogue," occasionally overshadowing his more serious personal battles and contributing to professional setbacks.

Death and Legacy

Final Illness and Death

In 2017, Keith Chegwin was diagnosed with (IPF), a progressive and incurable disease characterized by scarring of the tissue that impairs breathing and leads to . He had a decades-long history as a heavy smoker, a known for IPF. During his final months, Chegwin, who had relocated to north earlier that year, received at his home with support from the Severn Hospice in over the preceding weeks. His condition rapidly deteriorated in the latter part of 2017, leading to his death at home shortly after midnight on 11 December, at the age of 60. He was surrounded by his wife Maria, daughter , and son Ted at the time. Chegwin's family held a private funeral and requested privacy in their grieving process. In their statement announcing his passing, they expressed profound grief while highlighting his enduring spirit: "We are heartbroken to share the news that Keith Chegwin sadly passed away following a long-term battle with a progressive lung condition, , which rapidly worsened towards the end of this year... Keith was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend." The disclosure of his IPF diagnosis through this statement contributed to heightened awareness of the disease.

Cultural Impact and Tributes

Keith Chegwin's energetic presence on shows like helped pioneer interactive elements in children's television, including phone-ins and live toy exchanges that engaged viewers directly and prefigured modern audience participation formats. His unscripted, enthusiastic style symbolized the exuberant of the and 1980s, making him a fixture in British family viewing and influencing the affable, high-energy approach of later presenters in the genre. Chegwin's boundless enthusiasm lit up a less cynical era of kids' TV, where he was remembered as an "uncynical and generous one-off who lit up children’s lives." Tributes following his 2017 death emphasized his natural likability and role as a born entertainer, with The Guardian describing him as someone whose "huge early success" made "Cheggers... almost a family member to viewers" despite later career challenges. BBC coverage featured emotional respects from colleagues like Noel Edmonds, who called him his "first telly chum," and John Craven, who noted Chegwin was "never without a smile." In a 2018 reflection, his sister Janice Long shared family memories of his humor during his final months, recalling how he joked at her wedding despite his declining health from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Chegwin's legacy includes under-covered efforts to raise awareness about IPF, the lung disease that claimed his life, though much of the subsequent fundraising and advocacy was driven by his family, such as Long's support for the #ListenToOurLungs campaign. Family efforts, including Janice Long's involvement until her death in 2021, have sustained IPF awareness; as of 2025, treatments like antifibrotic drugs continue to evolve. In 2020s retrospectives, his work evokes cultural nostalgia for pre-digital children's programming, with the British Film Institute recognizing Multi-Coloured Swap Shop—featuring Chegwin's roving reports—as a key "BBC TV gamechanger" for its innovative format. Public perceptions remain mixed, balancing memories of his affable charm against later controversies, yet his persona often prevails as a symbol of uncomplicated entertainment. Posthumously, Long's death in 2021 spotlighted the Chegwin family's broadcasting heritage, with tributes noting her brother's influence on her career and shared commitment to IPF awareness. The enduring nickname "Cheggers" persists in pop as shorthand for TV nostalgia, amplified by his memorable, outrageous cameo in Ricky Gervais's Extras, which has become an iconic reference point.

Media Works

Film and Television Appearances

Keith Chegwin began his on-screen career as a , appearing in the Roman Polanski-directed Macbeth (1971) in the role of . This early role marked his entry into feature s, showcasing his youthful presence in a major adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy. He also appeared in the The Optimists of (1973). In television, Chegwin transitioned from acting to prominent hosting roles while maintaining occasional dramatic parts. He acted as Cuthbert in the 1972 episode "St Valentine's Day" of the sitcom . His guest appearance in the pilot episode of (1973) as a delivery boy further demonstrated his versatility in sketches. He had roles in episodes of and (1973). Chegwin's hosting career defined much of his television legacy, starting with co-presenting the innovative children's interactive show on BBC1 from 1976 to 1982 alongside , where he engaged viewers through phone-ins and live swaps. He followed this with solo hosting duties on Cheggers Plays Pop (1978–1986), a music-based programme that featured chart-topping artists and audience participation games. In the 2000s, he hosted the game show (2000) on Channel 5, reviving obstacle-course formats with a tropical twist. Chegwin also appeared as a contestant on reality television, participating in I'm Famous and Frightened! (2004–2005). His final major television stint was as a housemate on the fifteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2015, entering to enthusiastic crowds and reflecting on his career during the show. In the 2010s, Chegwin made several cameo appearances, often playing himself in satirical contexts, such as in the mockumentary Kill Keith (2011), which parodied his public persona through chaotic escapades. He also featured briefly in episodes of Ricky Gervais's Extras (2006) and Life's Too Short (2011–2012), contributing to the shows' ensemble of celebrity cameos. Chegwin had a cameo as a zombie extra in the film Shaun of the Dead (2004).

Discography and Publications

Keith Chegwin ventured into music recording during the 1970s and 1980s, releasing a series of singles that often featured covers of contemporary hits or novelty tracks linked to his television work, achieving modest commercial success with a focus on light-hearted pop. His debut singles on Pye Records included covers of popular songs, such as "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" in 1977, originally by Paul Anka, and "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" that same year, originally by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. These early efforts established his style as an affable performer appealing to younger audiences. In 1981, Chegwin collaborated with his twin brother on the single "More to Love," a cover of Jim Photoglo's track, released on Secret Records, showcasing a familial duo dynamic. That year also saw his most notable chart entry as part of the novelty group —comprising Chegwin, , and —which released "I Wanna Be a Winner," written by B.A. Robertson. The track, tied to their shared television presenting roles, peaked at No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart and spent 10 weeks in the Top 40, marking his highest charting release. Chegwin's included further novelty efforts, such as "Gonna Be a Fool No More" in 1983 with the group White Liez on Moon Records, reflecting his penchant for upbeat, promotional-style recordings often aligned with radio and tie-ins. Overall, his music career garnered limited mainstream success but cultivated a among fans of his energetic, family-oriented entertainment style. Beyond music, Chegwin contributed to print media through tie-in publications related to his television shows. He co-authored several annual books for , including The Multi-Coloured Swap Shop Book (1978) and The Second Multi-Coloured Swap Shop Book (1979), which featured games, letters from viewers, and behind-the-scenes content from the children's program. These books extended the show's interactive spirit into literature, co-credited with hosts like and . In 1995, Chegwin published his autobiography Shaken But Not Stirred: My Story with , candidly detailing his career highs, personal struggles with , and life in .

References

  1. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2017/12/11/keith-chegwin-obituary/
  2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-42313706
  3. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/dec/12/keith-chegwin-a-born-entertainer-with-natural-likability
  4. https://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/15855393.north-shropshire-resident-and-tv-star-keith-chegwin-dies-aged-60/
  5. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/keith-chegwin-44522.php
  6. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5117779/keith-chegwin-cheggers-jokes-remembered/
  7. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/dec/27/janice-long-obituary
  8. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5169085/Keith-Chegwins-addiction-laughter-downfall.html
  9. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/celebs-tv/tragedy-chegwins-janice-long-dies-6407083
  10. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/showbiz-news/keith-chegwins-sister-janice-long-16923851
  11. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/dec/11/keith-chegwin-obituary
  12. https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/keith-chegwin-dies-aged-60
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0183032/
  14. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-42313706
  15. https://www.itv.com/news/2017-12-11/tv-presenter-keith-chegwin-dies-aged-60
  16. https://www.nationalfilmawards.org/keith-chegwin-joins-the-list-of-celebrity-presenters-at-the-national-film-awards-2015/
  17. https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/service_bbc_radio_one/1982-04-25
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/3505856-Keith-Chegwin-Ill-Take-You-Back
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/3064672-Keith-Chegwin-Put-Your-Head-On-My-Shoulder
  20. https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/110531/all
  21. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/brown-sauce-i-wanna-be-a-winner/
  22. https://www.geni.com/people/Keith-Chegwin/6000000071860904845
  23. http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/442768/index.html
  24. https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/classic/swapshop/trivia.shtml
  25. https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/keith-chegwin-opened-up-to-richard-and-judy-about-alcoholism/36398276.html
  26. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/782463.stm
  27. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-42314089
  28. https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a627340/keith-chegwin-finishes-fourth-on-celebrity-big-brother/
  29. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5167735/Keith-Chegwins-ex-wife-Maggie-Philbin-leads-tributes.html
  30. https://www.paimages.co.uk/image-details/2.34107080
  31. https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1048978/Maggie-Philbin-tomorrows-world-presenter-Keith-Chegwin-Noel-Edmonds
  32. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2011/mar/18/rosemary-gill-obituary
  33. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5114811/keith-chegwin-wife-maria-anne-ex-maggie-philbin-daughter-rose/
  34. https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-10182-2505417/ted-chegwin-in-biographical-summaries-of-notable-people
  35. https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2017/02/21/keith-chegwin-i-love-shropshire-but-i-would-like-decent-broadband/
  36. https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1178200/janice-long-brother-keith-death-lung-disease
  37. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/keith-chegwin-dead-maggie-philbin-tribute-swap-shop_uk_5a2eaa56e4b0a290f05279fc
  38. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/dec/26/bbc-radio-presenter-janice-long-dies-aged-66
  39. https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2001/nov/03/weekend7.weekend6
  40. https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/brave-keith-chegwin-confessed-considered-11676627
  41. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2013/oct/02/this-morning-itv-25-best-moments
  42. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/930201.stm
  43. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/mar/17/thepeople.pressandpublishing
  44. https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/blog/celebrity-charity-supporter-keith-chegwin/79
  45. https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/infectious-enthusiastic-swap-shop-and-cheggers-plays-pop-presenter-1.3327209
  46. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/
  47. https://www.whitchurchherald.co.uk/news/15858789.north-shropshire-resident-and-tv-star-keith-chegwin-dies-aged-60/
  48. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/dec/11/keith-chegwin-tv-presenter-dies-aged-60
  49. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a14405229/keith-chegwin-dies-aged-60/
  50. https://www.actionpf.org/news/janice-long-joins-forces-with-action-for-pulmonary-fibrosis-for-second-year-running
  51. https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/keith-chegwins-enthusiasm-lit-childrens-tv-less-cynical-age-invented-ebay-109982
  52. https://www.bfi.org.uk/lists/100-bbc-tv-gamechangers
  53. https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/4345875/janice-long-death-keith-chegwin-illness-latest-news/
  54. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2017/12/11/cheggers-met-gervais-story-behind-keith-chegwins-outrageous/
  55. https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a350297/keith-chegwin-roman-polanski-told-me-to-take-my-trousers-off/
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067372/
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070511/
  58. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0154961/
  59. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/601497-keith-chegwin
  60. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/keith-chegwin/credits/3000730377/
  61. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365748/
  62. https://secondhandsongs.com/release/204683
  63. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/uk-top-40-singles-chart/19820207/750140/
  64. https://www.discogs.com/artist/510328-Keith-Chegwin
  65. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/keith-chegwin
  66. https://www.ianvsthevintagestore.co.uk/product/the-multi-coloured-swap-shop
  67. https://www.ianvsthevintagestore.co.uk/product/the-second-multi-coloured-swap-shop-book
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