Chris Hughes, a long-standing panellist on Eggheads, has passed away at the age of 77.

The quiz show’s official Instagram account confirmed the news on Thursday, sharing a tribute alongside a photo of the renowned quizzer.

The statement read:

"It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Eggheads great, Chris Hughes.

Chris joined the show in 2003, and over the next 20 years, he provided not only brilliant answers but also countless laughs and cherished memories.

He will be hugely missed by all his Eggheads family."

A Legendary Quiz Career

Hughes was widely regarded as one of the UK’s greatest quizzers, having won Mastermind, International Mastermind, and Brain of Britain.

He also appeared on The Weakest Link, where host Anne Robinson described him as "the best contestant we have had". Despite not answering a single question incorrectly, he was eliminated in the final round.

Tributes Pour In

Among those paying tribute was Eggheads producer Robert Dean, who wrote:

"Very sad to say that our brilliant Egghead Chris has sadly passed away.

He was an amazing Egghead who saw everyone on the production team as part of his family.

I have such fond memories of him and count myself lucky to have known him. I’ll miss him tremendously."

A celebration of life service will be held on 14th March at Crewe Crematorium, followed by a wake at a local pub. Fans and mourners have been encouraged to donate to Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation in his memory.

Uncertain Future for Eggheads

The future of Eggheads remains uncertain, as host Jeremy Vine revealed last May that no new episodes had been filmed for over a year.

The long-running quiz show first aired on BBC One in 2003 before moving to BBC Two and later being picked up by Channel 5 in 2021. The most recent series was filmed in 2022 and aired in spring 2023.

Speaking to The Sun, Vine admitted he was unsure whether the show would return:

“I think I have done about 1,200 shows—but whether we are doing any more, I don't know.

We last filmed an episode over a year ago. It may well be that we are still doing it in 30 years’ time, who knows, but there are no immediate plans for more.”

A Legacy of Quiz Greats

Originally hosted by Dermot Murnaghan, Vine joined the show in 2008, with the pair alternating presenting duties before Vine became the full-time host in 2021.

Over the years, the Eggheads lineup has featured some of Britain’s most celebrated quizzers, including:

• Judith Keppel – the first UK winner of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire

• Daphne Fowler – a Brain of Britain champion

• CJ de Mooi – a Mensa chess champion

• Kevin Ashman – a five-time European Quizzing Championships winner

Hughes’ passing marks the loss of a true quiz legend, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of competitive quizzing.