Madcap 70s TV star Keith Chegwin has emerged from a two day self-imposed bout of hiding and in a sensational rant blamed it all on his erstwhile pal, Noel Edmonds and his obsession on playing practical jokes.
"Noel called me on Saturday night and told me the Sunday Telegraph was onto me and if I knew what was good for me then I'd better get out of sight and keep my head down for a couple of days until all the stink had died down," said an irate Chegwin earlier today.
"I asked him what was it about? Some dirt on me and Maggie Philbin or maybe word had got out about that second-hand scam I used to have going with the toys that kids brought along to Swap-Shop OBs? But Noel told me he wasn't sure and that all he did know, via his source, was that they were going to dish the dirt on Cheggers, big style. So there was nothing else for it but for me to do one. But when I get my fucking hands on him he'd better look out. The stupid little beardy git! I had a 3-course carvery lined up for yesterday and I missed it because of him and his stupid practical jokes. The tosser! But I'll have the last laugh. Just you wait and see."
It's understood that Edmonds let the joke run for 36 hours before bringing it to an end when he texted the hapless Chegwin just one word - Gotcha!