Viewers taken aback after BBC accidentally broadcasts man saying ‘too much smoking probably’ during Keith Chegwin death report

VIEWERS were left bemused when BBC News accidentally broadcast someone saying “too much smoking probably” following a segment on Keith Chegwin’s death.

Before the on-air gaffe, the Beeb had planned an interview with a former colleague of the TV favourite – who died aged 60 after battling a progressive lung condition.

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But news presenter Martine Croxall was unable to speak to John Craven, who worked with Cheggers on kids TV show Swap Shop, and moved to a weather report instead.

However, while Croxall began interacting with her co-presenter, viewers were able to hear “too much smoking probably.”

Twitter users expressed their shock at hearing the comment.

One wrote: “That's soooo disgusting if that's about Keith Chegwin, he's not the only guy to have ever smoked bloody hell some respect for the dead :("

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Another posted: “Did I just hear ‘too much smoking probably’ on @BBCNews from one of your producers when referring to Keith Chegwin? #badtaste”

A Twitter user named Gazza B wrote: “A tragic report that Keith Chegwin has sadly passed away from ongoing lung issues, only to hear a big gaffe as someone can be heard saying..."Too much smoking probably"

While another user added: “Seriously?  Bloody hell, that's disgraceful.  OK he was a public figure but he was also a family man and that is so hurtful for them.”

One user wrote: "@bbcnews chegwin...to much smoking.....oooppppps"

Speaking with The Sun Online, a BBC spokesperson said: “During a live interview the studio had a sound issue with a guest which resulted in off air audio being inadvertently broadcast and it was quickly rectified.”

Keith died following a “long-term battle with a progressive lung condition” on December 11, 2017.

The entertainer apologised to fans in September for not tweeting, saying: “Still not right. I will be back – But not for a bit yet. I’m so sorry.”

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In a statement Keith’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.

“Keith was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. We would respectfully ask to be left to mourn his passing in private.”

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