Keith Chegwin has died at the age of 60 after batting a chronic lung condition.

The larger-than-life British TV presenter's family have announced the news in a statement, saying that he passed away after a “long-term battle” with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which had worsened towards the end of this year.

They said: “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 (known affectionately as Cheggers), was born in Liverpool in 1957. He began his career as a child actor on local television, before making his big screen debut in Roman Polanski’s 1971 adaptation of 'Macbeth,' alongside a small role with Peter Sellers in 1973’s 'The Optimists of Nine Elms'.

He later became a household name in the UK during the mid 1970s after hosting a string of hit gameshows – including 'Cheggers Plays Pop'.

Chegwin last tweeted on September 28: “Still not right. I will be back – But not for a bit yet. I’m so sorry.”