Chegwin recovers from appendix op

Chegwin hopes to be out of hospital by the end of the week

Presenter Keith Chegwin is recovering after being admitted to hospital on Christmas Day for emergency surgery to remove his appendix.

The 1970s TV favourite was about to enjoy Christmas dinner with his family at their home in Newbury, Berkshire, when he was hit by severe pain.

He was taken to hospital in Basingstoke where doctors removed his appendix.

Agent Tony Fox said: "He sounded rather sore and uncomfortable when I spoke to him but he's on the road to recovery."

Chegwin said: "One minute I'm preparing my Christmas turkey, the next minute I'm the one getting stuffed."

He started his career in children's TV and is famous for shows including Cheggers Plays Pop, Swap Shop and Saturday Superstore.

More recently, he has worked on Channel 4's The Big Breakfast and GMTV.

Mr Fox said: "He's been going around the country for GMTV, arriving on people's doorsteps and handing them cheques, making people's Christmas dreams come true.

"The irony is, his Christmas is ruined."

Chegwin said he would have a second attempt at a family Christmas when he leaves hospital before the end of the week.