Keith Chegwin Net Worth

What was Keith Chegwin's net worth?

Keith Chegwin was an English actor and television presenter who had a net worth of $6 million at the time of his death. Keith Chegwin was a beloved English television presenter and actor whose warm-hearted, ad-lib style made him a fixture of British pop culture for over four decades. Best known for his high-energy presence on children's television in the 1970s and 80s, Chegwin became a household name through programs like "Multi-Coloured Swap Shop," "Cheggers Plays Pop," and "Saturday Superstore." With his cheeky grin and unfiltered enthusiasm, he brought a sense of spontaneity and fun to Saturday morning programming. But Chegwin's career wasn't limited to kids' TV—he evolved with the times, taking on roles as a radio host, reality TV personality, bingo entrepreneur, and even leading a controversial naturist game show. Alongside professional highs, he faced and publicly overcame personal battles, including alcoholism and later a serious lung condition. Chegwin remained open about his struggles, earning admiration for his resilience and self-awareness. In his final years, he returned to the spotlight with a well-received appearance on "Celebrity Big Brother" and various comedy cameos, endearing him to a new generation. He passed away in 2017 at age 60, leaving behind a legacy of joy, honesty, and enduring connection with audiences, young and old.

Early life and stage beginnings

Keith Chegwin was born on January 17, 1957, in Walton, Liverpool. He had a twin brother, Jeff, and a sister, Janice, who would later become well known in her own right as broadcaster Janice Long. Keith began acting as a child, appearing in Children's Film Foundation productions and landing the role of Fleance in Roman Polanski's 1971 film adaptation of "Macbeth." He also had minor roles in TV shows like "Open All Hours" and "The Liver Birds," and performed in West End productions including "Tom Brown's School Days."

Rise to TV Fame

Chegwin became a breakout star in 1976 when he joined Noel Edmonds and Maggie Philbin (his future wife) as a presenter on "Multi-Coloured Swap Shop." The innovative live Saturday morning show revolutionized British children's programming, introducing phone-ins and remote "Swaparama" segments. In 1978, he was given his own show, "Cheggers Plays Pop," which aired until 1986 and combined pop performances with school-age game show antics. He also presented on "Saturday Superstore," further cementing his status as a weekend TV favorite. In 1982, he recorded a novelty single with Philbin and Edmonds as the group Brown Sauce; the track, "I Wanna Be a Winner," reached number 15 on the UK charts.

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Challenges, reinvention, and diverse roles

By the late 1980s, Chegwin's career stalled due to a growing battle with alcoholism. In 1992, he addressed his addiction publicly on "This Morning," a moment that marked the beginning of his recovery and reinvention. His memoir, "Shaken But Not Stirred," detailed his road back. In the years that followed, Chegwin took on a wide range of roles—presenting segments on "The Big Breakfast," hosting talent competitions like "Sky Star Search," fronting cookery shows, and even reviving the slapstick gameshow "It's a Knockout." He also launched an internet bingo site and became a regular fixture at promotional events. Perhaps his most controversial role came in 2000, when he hosted the Channel 5 game show "Naked Jungle," appearing fully nude on-screen. Though widely ridiculed, Chegwin later called it "the worst career move I ever made."

Acting cameos and reality TV resurgence

Despite career missteps, Chegwin remained a good sport with a strong sense of humor. He appeared in Ricky Gervais's sitcom "Extras" in a tongue-in-cheek cameo and later starred in the horror-comedy film "Kill Keith" in 2011. In the 2010s, he embraced reality television, competing on "Dancing on Ice" in 2013 and "Celebrity MasterChef" in 2015. His most high-profile comeback came in the 2015 series of "Celebrity Big Brother," where he was praised for his kind-hearted demeanor and straightforwardness, finishing in fourth place.

Personal life and final years

Chegwin married TV presenter Maggie Philbin in 1982; they had a daughter, Rose, before divorcing in 1993. In 2000, he married Maria Fielden, with whom he had a son, Ted. The couple settled in Shropshire, where Chegwin continued working and making public appearances, often supporting charity causes.

Illness, death, and legacy

Keith Chegwin was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease, in his later years. He died on December 11, 2017, at the age of 60, at his home in Shropshire, surrounded by family. Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues across generations, who remembered him as a "born entertainer" with an unmistakable charm.

Chegwin's legacy endures in the memories of those who grew up watching him on Saturday mornings, as well as those who admired his willingness to evolve, confront adversity, and always meet the public with a smile. He remains one of British television's most recognizable—and most human—figures.

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