BBC Morning Live star Dr Xand van Tulleken paid an emotional tribute to Kevin Keegan on The One Show, calling him an “absolute legend” after the former England manager's death aged 75.
Keegan died in July aged 75, just weeks after revealing he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer. On Sunday, August 23, memorial tributes will be held at St James' Park ahead of a Premier League clash between two of his former clubs, Newcastle United and Liverpool.
A minute's applause is scheduled before kick-off in honour of Keegan, while both sides will warm up wearing special shirts and black armbands.
On-air tribute and fan memories
During discussions about the match on The One Show, hosted by Angellica Bell and JB Gill, a pre-recorded clip about the match aired, including a tribute from Robson Green.
In the clip, artist Adebanji Alade shared how Kevin Keegan's book had changed his life and led to his career. “Inside that book, I practiced all the skills I could, but what really got me, were the pictures in that book. It sparked my passion for sketching, and that has been with me ever since,” he said.
He added: “Kevin Keegan did it all for club and country. He won league titles and European cups with Liverpool, played back-to-back Ballon d'Ors at Hamburg, then as both player and manager, he took Newcastle to the brink of the Premier League title. When news of his death broke, hundreds of fans headed to St James' Park to play their respects.”
Dr Xand's personal tribute
In the clip, actor Robson Green also said: "He reminded us all that football wasn't just something you watched, it was something you belonged to. And Liverpool fans and players, it's the same with Newcastle. We didn't just like and respect Kevin Keegan, we loved him, and we'll never forget him."
Back in The One Show studio, BBC Morning Live star Dr Xand van Tulleken shared his own tribute to Keegan, as JB asked him: “You're a massive football fan, but he also meant a lot to you, didn't he?”
Dr Xand replied: “I grew up, I remember thinking when I'm a grown up, I will have a dimple in my chin and a full head of hair like that… it hasn't happened! But what an absolute legend.”
The One Show airs weeknights from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
