Katie Price has paid tribute to Keith Chegwin following his death from a lung condition at the age of 60.
The former glamour model got to know Keith when they appeared together in Celebrity Big Brother back in 2015 and they’d stayed in touch over the years.
Katie, 39, has now revealed she had a conversation with Keith just weeks before his death, as he suffered from the same lung condition as her beloved mother Amy.
“I’m absolutely gutted that Keith has passed away,” she wrote on Twitter.
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“I only spoke to him a few weeks ago and he was giving my mum advice, as [he was] suffering with the same lung condition my mum has, which is IPF, an incurable lung disease.
“He was such a very down to earth and extremely funny [man] and absolutely loved his wife Maria and children so much.”
“I will miss him and so gutted as we were all trying to fit in a date to meet up,” said Katie.
“I’m just in shock how quick this has all happened since I spoke to him. RIP Keith and will continue with your advice for my mum.”
Many of Katie’s fans responded to say more needs to be done to raise awareness of IPF – Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis – and to send their well-wishes to Katie and Keith’s family.
Keith’s family announced his death in a statement on Monday.
It read: “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 the 11th of December. 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.”
Keith – nicknamed Cheggers – was best known for hosting programmes including children’s game show Cheggers Plays Pop and Swap Shop, and also made appearances on Extras and Celebrity Big Brother.
Katie announced in September that beloved mum Amy had been diagnosed with IPF, which is a terminal lung condition.
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Katie said at the time: “The condition has an average life expectancy of 3 – 5 years. There are two known pills which, if they work, can slow things down.
“My mum is a fighter, she is working out every day, going to work and living life to the full.”