Keith Chegwin
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Early Life and Television Career
Keith Chegwin was born on January 17, 1957, in Walton, Liverpool, England. He began his entertainment career as a child actor, later rising to national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as a television presenter. Chegwin became a household name through his work on popular children’s television shows, including Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and Cheggers Plays Pop. His energetic and friendly on-screen presence made him a favorite among young audiences.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 17 Jan, 1957
- Age
- 63 yrs
- Occupations
- Film actor
Television presenter
Television actor
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- Citizenship
- United Kingdom
- Birth Place
- Liverpool
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- English television presenter and actor
- Spouse
- Maggie Philbin[1982-1993]
- Net Worth 2020
- 6 million
- Net Worth 2021
- 6 million
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Broadcasting and Music Ventures
In addition to his television success, Chegwin explored various roles within the entertainment industry. He worked as a disc jockey and hosted a weekend morning show on BBC Radio 1. During the 1980s, he ventured into music and released several novelty singles, notably "I Wanna Be a Winner," which reached the UK Singles Chart in 1981 as part of the group Brown Sauce.
Personal Challenges and Comeback
Chegwin struggled with alcoholism during the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period that negatively impacted his career. He openly discussed these personal challenges in his 1995 autobiography, Shaken But Not Stirred, which offered insight into both his professional triumphs and personal hardships. His candidness about recovery helped reshape his public image and contributed to his later television appearances.
Later Television Work and Reality TV Appearances
Chegwin continued to make television appearances into the 2000s. In 2000, he appeared in Naked Jungle, a controversial Channel 5 game show where participants competed nude. Despite mixed public reaction, the show garnered attention and reflected Chegwin’s willingness to take career risks.
In 2012, Chegwin was set to join the cast of Dancing on Ice. However, he suffered serious injuries—breaking three ribs and fracturing his shoulder—on the first day of training, forcing him to withdraw from the competition. He returned to reality television in 2015, competing on Celebrity Big Brother, where he finished in fourth place, reaffirming his enduring popularity with audiences.
Family Life
Chegwin was married twice. His first marriage was to television presenter Maggie Philbin, from 1982 to 1993. Together, they had a daughter named Rose. Following their divorce, Chegwin later married Maria Anne Fielden, with whom he had a son named Ted. The family lived in Shropshire, valuing a quieter lifestyle and proximity to extended family.
Death and Legacy
Keith Chegwin died on December 11, 2017, at the age of 60, after battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease. He is remembered for his charismatic on-screen presence, contributions to children’s television in the UK, and his resilience in facing both personal and professional challenges.
