Chris Hughes dead: Eggheads star dies aged 77 as show pays tribute to ‘great’ quizzer
EGGHEADS star Chris Hughes has died aged 77 with the show paying tribute to the "great" quizzer.
The tragic news was confirmed via an official statement on the Eggheads social media page.
Chris passed away at his home in Crewe but his cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
A statement from Eggheads 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 gave us not only brilliant answers but very many laughs and happy memories.
"He will be hugely missed by all his Eggheads family."
Chris was best known for his time on Eggheads which spanned two decades.
Starting in 2003, he became a member of the regular panel of quiz experts in the hit show.
Eggheads, which sees winners from shows like Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, The Weakest Link and Mastermind pitted against amateur quizzers, first aired on the BBC the same year.
Jeremy Vine became the show's presenter in 2008 and continued hosting duties after the programme moved to Channel 5 in 2021.
Gavin Palin Funeral Services announced that his funeral would be held on March 14 at the Crewe Crematorium Chapel.
A statement from the company read: "It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Christopher John Hughes 'Chris', locally known as Egghead, nationally known as TV personality and quiz contestant appearing on may TV quiz shows over the years.
"Chris passed away at his home in Crewe aged 77. He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Funeral service and cremation will take place at Crew Crematorium Chapel on Friday March 14th 2025 at 1pm."
Donations in memory of Chris will be received for Cancer Research UK and The British Heart Foundation.
Hughes was born in Enfield, Middlesex, and educated at Enfield Grammar School.
He worked as a train driver and a railway worker before becoming one of Britain's leading quizzers.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chris claimed victories on Mastermind, International Mastermind and Brain of Britain.
The talented quizzer is one of only seven individuals to have won both Mastermind and Brain of Britain.
He also appeared on The Weakest Link on 24 September 2001, and was voted out in the final elimination round without answering a single question incorrectly during the whole show.
Host Anne Robinson declared Hughes to be "the best contestant we have had on the Weakest Link".
She even opted not to use her signature "you are the Weakest Link, goodbye!" catchphrase, instead simply saying "goodbye Chris".
Heartbroken fans have rushed to pay tribute to the star on social media, with one writing: "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."
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Another commented: "Saddened to hear that. Loved Eggheads. Wish it was brought back."
A third described Chris as a "wonderfully magnificent man".
