Liverpool-born television star Keith Chegwin has died at the age of 60.
The veteran presenter’s family confirmed that he had passed away in the early hours of Monday, surrounded by his wife and two children.
They also revealed that Chegwin, originally from Walton, had been suffering from a long-term battle with a lung condition.
A family statement 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.”
Chegwin rose to prominence as a presenter on childrens’ shows in the 1970s and 1980s including Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and Saturday Superstore.
He later presented segments on The Big Breakfast and GMTV as well as hosting It’s A Knockout when it was revived by Channel 5 in 1999.
In later years, Chegwin appeared in reality TV shows Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice, where he broke three ribs on his first day in training.