Chris Hughes, the beloved star of the popular quiz show Eggheads, has passed away at the age of 77. The news was confirmed on the programme's official social media accounts, which expressed immense sadness over the loss of this esteemed quizzer.
“It is with immense sadness,” the post read, “that we announce the passing of Eggheads great Chris Hughes. Chris joined the show at the very start in 2003 and over the next 20 years gave us not only brilliant answers but very many laughs and happy memories. He loved being an Egghead and will be hugely missed by all his Eggheads family.”
Born in Middlesex, Chris Hughes was not just known for his sharp intellect but also for his warm personality, making him a favorite among fans. He began his career as a train driver and railway worker before showcasing his intellectual prowess on various quiz shows, including The Weakest Link, where he famously exited the show without answering a single question incorrectly.
Hughes achieved the incredible distinction of being one of only seven people to have won both Mastermind and Brain of Britain, along with his victory on International Mastermind. His impressive credentials secured his place on the Eggheads panel, which features top quizzers from across the UK.
Fans of the show began to express their grief and fond memories of Hughes shortly after the announcement. One fan wrote on social media, “Very sad news. I met him when we did the show back in 2015, and he was very affable. I hope he's up there enjoying a pint with dear Dave Rainford,” referring to another Eggheads star who had passed away.
Robert Dean, the producer of Eggheads, paid tribute to Hughes, stating, “He was an amazing Egghead who considered everyone on the production team part of his family. I have such fond memories of him and count myself lucky to have known him. I’ll miss him tremendously.”
Anne Robinson, the former host of The Weakest Link, also remembered Hughes fondly, stating, “He was the best contestant we had on The Weakest Link.” After voting him off, she opted against using her famous phrase, instead bidding him farewell with just “goodbye Chris.”
The Eggheads format pits teams of amateur quizzers against the expert panel, featuring questions from various categories. The show first aired on BBC Two before moving to Channel 5, where it continues to be popular with audiences. It recently celebrated its 2,000th episode, showcasing the longevity and enduring appeal of the series.
Chris Hughes' last appearance on the show was remembered as particularly noteworthy; he participated alongside celebrity guests, demonstrating his quick wit and knowledge without faltering on any questions.
After Hughes’ passing, tributes poured in across social media platforms, with many fans reminiscing about their favorite moments on Eggheads. One fan articulated, “This is devastating, Rip. I can’t believe he’s gone. All these years I’ve been watching him on telly when he was on Eggheads, he was fantastic.”
A celebration of life service is set to be held at Crewe Crematorium on March 14, with well-wishers encouraged to donate to Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation as part of honoring Hughes’ memory.
Though Chris Hughes is no longer with us, the legacy he created as part of the Eggheads family continues to resonate with fans and quiz enthusiasts alike. His contributions to the show and the joy he brought to viewers will not be forgotten.