Phillip Schofield has said he’s “heartbroken” over the death of Keith Chegwin.
This Morning paid tribute to the legendary entertainer on Tuesday, during its health segment with Dr Chris Steele.
Keith, 60, passed away on Monday following a long battle with a lung condition.
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Phillip, 55, said: “It was such a shock. I had no idea Keith Chegwin was even poorly. He was such a lovely man, a delight to be around. He was funny and incredibly professional.
“We have worked with him on Dancing On Ice and I’ve known him since Saturday morning days, he was one of my original Saturday morning heroes.
“I was heartbroken yesterday. So much love to his family.”
Dr Chris then explained Keith’lung condition, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, and its symptoms.
“Idiopathic means we don’t know the exact cause,” he said.
“Pulmonary Fibrosis is scarring of the lung tissue. What causes that? Things like exposure to dust over many years, miners are prone to it. Smokers are prone to it. Viral infections. A family history, sometimes.
“We don’t know for sure what happened here.”
Dr Chris added: “Symptoms can start off with shortness of breath and a dry persistent cough. It can start very gradually. You’re feeling short of breath and think, ‘Oh, I’m getting a bit old’, but it continues, progresses and deteriorates. There is no cure.”
“And he was only 60,” said Phil.
“Lots of love to his family,” added Holly.
Phillip had tweeted yesterday: “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.”
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.”
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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.
His final tweet, sent on September 28, read: “Still not right. I will be back – But not for a bit yet. I’m so sorry.”