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Keith Chegwin on Extras: Fans remember TV host's skit with Ricky Gervais

Beloved TV presenter received praise for his appearance on the show

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Keith Chegwin with Ricky Gervais on Extras BBC/HBO/Youtube

Keith Chegwin fans are remembering the TV host after his death aged 60. 

Known for hosting programmes including It's A Knockout, Cheggers Plays Pop and Swap Shop, Chegwin - known as 'Cheggers' - he also appeared on the likes of Dancing With The Stars, Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity MasterChef. 

But among his most memorable appearance- one that many fans have been resharing as news of his death emerged - was his time working with Ricky Gervais on the show Extras. 

"He is one of the most generous performers I've ever met," Chegwin said of Gervais, recalling in one interview how the comedian had called and asked if he could act. "If he writes a line that's funny, he will give you the line instead."

Keith Chegwin – in pictures

Keith Chegwin – in pictures

  • 1/9

    Chegwin at 'David Brent: Life on the Road' film premiere, London, 10 August 2016

    Rex

  • 2/9

    Keith Chegwin attends the British Academy Children's Awards at The Roundhouse on 22 November 2015 in London

    Getty

  • 3/9

    Chegwin in Celebrity Big Brother, 2 February 2015

    Rex

  • 4/9

    Chegwin with dance partner Olga Sharutenko on TV programme 'Dancing on Ice'

    Rex

  • 5/9

    Chegwin promoting Cinderella pantomime at the Hexagon Theatre in Reading, Britain, 2000

    Rex

  • 6/9

    Keith Chegwin (left) and Pat Coombs in 'Playbox', 1988

    Rex

  • 7/9

    Chegwin on TV programme 'Get It Together', 1979

  • 8/9

    Posed studio portrait of Keith Chegwin

    Fin Costello

  • 9/9

    Chegwin (right) with Principal Barbara Speake (left) and Martin Woodhams at Barbara Speake Stage School in Acton, London, 10 May 1971

    Getty

Sending himself up on the show, Chegwin "got drunk, stripped naked and was immediately hired by satellite TV".

In a bloopers reel, show-makers revealed how the pair struggled to film the moment because Chegwin kept making Gervais laugh. 

Charlie Hanson, who worked on Extras, paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "Shocked and saddened to hear the news of Keith Chegwin's death. Will remember the fun he brought making Extras and Life's Too Short."

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