Dec Donnelly became emotional while talking about his hero, footballer and manager Kevin Keegan, who died last week. He told fans on his shared podcast with Ant McPartlin: "I shed a tear last week and I'm shedding another one this morning."
Remembering a Football Legend
Keegan, one of the most popular figures in English football, died aged 75 after being diagnosed with cancer. He had two stints at Newcastle United, the club Ant and Dec have supported since they were children, first as a player from 1982-1984 and then as a manager from 1992-1997.
The pair opened their Hanging Out podcast with a moving tribute to Keegan, with an emotional Dec explaining the player was the reason he got into football, with his arrival at Newcastle coinciding with the time he started going to football matches with his brother.
Childhood Hero
Dec, 50, said: "I'm not ashamed to say I shed a tear when I heard the news. He just meant so much to the people of the North East." Keegan built one of the most popular teams of the Premier League era at Newcastle.
The TV star went on: "He was just such a special man and we were very lucky enough to meet him on a couple of occasions. The first one: I met him, when I was, I think, six or seven. I won a competition to play football with Kevin Keegan.
"We played loads of fun games and all of that and then Kevin Keegan comes along at the end of it and you get to kick a ball around with him. We all went in for sandwiches and crisps afterwards and then every single one of us had a photograph with Kevin."
Emotional Tribute
Becoming emotional Dec said: "He sat with each of us and put his arms around us. As a six-year-old boy that was just the best, meeting your hero. You know they say you should never meet your heroes, but he was absolutely the exception.
"So yeah I shed a tear last week and I'm shedding another one this morning. RIP Kev, King Kev, Special K. What a guy."
Ant, also 50, nodded, adding: "Well said, well said. It's true. You know, words like legends and saviours get banded around but he did. He saved our club when he came back as manager. He's a true legend of the game and a true legend to Newcastle United supporters and he will be missed. Love you, Kevin."
Personal Memories
He added that he and Dec met Keegan at a kit launch on the pitch at St James' Park. Dec said: "Kevin was around doing all of his media duties and he saw us on the pitch doing a picture on our own and he was like 'I'm going to get in on this.'
"So he got right in the middle of us, got us both round the neck. He was like, 'come on lads, have one with me.' He was just the loveliest man."
Ant found the picture, which showed the pair in football shirts and Keegan in a powder-blue jacket and tie, on his phone and shared it with viewers of their podcast.
Newcastle United's Statement
In a statement, Newcastle said last week: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.
"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters. As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.
"As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer.
"Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.
"Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him."
