Keith Chegwin sounds breathless in last theatre performance before losing battle with incurable lung disease
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Keith Chegwin was breathless as he made what's thought to be his last theatre performance before his untimely death.
The star died last night after a ''long-term battle with a progressive lung condition."
It's now emerged that he was suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - an incurable disease that grows progressively worse.
And the TV presenter's failing health seemed to be evident when he appeared in panto just eight months ago as Jolly King Cheggers.
(Image: BigWelshMark/Youtube)
(Image: BigWelshMark/Youtube)
Keith performed on stage alongside X Factor 's Stevi Ritchie and Basil Brush in an Easter performance of Beauty And The Beast.
But as he spoke to the audience at the Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl on April 14 last year, he struggled to catch his breath and lost his voice.
He was suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis which causes fibrosis or scarring of the lungs, making the organ stiffer and breathing more difficult.
As was the case for Keith, the condition worsened over time, and there was no cure.
His ex wife revealed that he was using "portable oxygen" to help him breathe at his sister's wedding just two months ago.
(Image: WireImage)
(Image: BigWelshMark/Youtube)
Smoking is thought to be a contributing cause, along with pollution, acid reflux, certain viruses and genetics.
But Chegwin loved the panto and told the Shropshire Star at the time that the show was "packed" every night.
"I toured with it last year thinking it wasn't going to work, but it was ram packed," he said.
"It's just a fun take on the Christmas tradition, but don't expect it to be like the Disney film.
"One lady did and asked me afterwards, 'Why were you covered in gateau at one point? And why were you singing the 12 days of Christmas at Easter?' I love it."
Earlier today, in a statement confirming his passing, Chegwin's family 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."