MOURNERS have farewelled a much-loved BBC star who appeared on a popular show for 20 years at his funeral service.
In a heartfelt tribute to quiz legend Chris Hughes, mourners at his funeral listened to karaoke covers he had recorded himself.
6
6
6
The much-loved 77-year-old from Crewe, who passed away “swift and easy” earlier this year, was remembered at an emotional service at Crewe Crematorium yesterday afternoon.
Chris, a renowned brainbox, gained fame as a star of the BBC’s Eggheads for two decades after winning Mastermind, International Mastermind, and Brain of Britain.
His sharp intellect and quick wit made him a fan favourite, and his passing left a deep void among his friends and admirers.
The funeral service, attended by close friends from Crewe’s Crossway Estate, was filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt tributes.
Among those present were his best friends Becci and Kerry, who fondly remembered him as a “top guy and a true gent.”
The pair shared a light hearted anecdote about Chris’s unrequited affection for Carol Volderman, recalling how he was “heartbroken” after sending her a love letter.
Chris’s love of karaoke was honoured with recordings of his renditions of Leaning on a Lamp Post, Because I Got High, and Bed of Roses, playing during the service.
The ceremony was beautifully conducted by friend Joy Bratherton, who perfectly captured his unique personality and passions, including his love of trains, quizzes and music.
“Chris played to win, not just for the thrill of competition, but because knowledge was his lifeblood,” she told mourners.
“He was a quiz champion, but he was also so much more than trains, trivia, and banter, he was a true character.
“He was someone we all felt precious about because of who he was.”
She painted a picture of a man who lived life on his own terms, describing his dry sense of humour and ability to deliver one-liners that could either leave a room in stiches or completely speechless.
Joy also reflected on his devotion to fairness, noting that he was always insisted on returning favours and maintaining a sense of old-school loyalty.
Chris had many passions beyond quizzing.
He enjoyed making model buses, working on a local radio station, and was especially proud of his International Mastermind title, which he often reminded people had never been contested again.
“Life is like a great railway journey,” Joy said.
“Each of us on our own unwinding tracks, some smooth, some rugged with twists and turns. Chris loved knowledge, poems, and literature, and he embraced everything he learned.
“Like great trains, Chris moved with purpose. Although he has reached his final station, his life is not over, as it will continue to travel in the hearts of those who loved him.”
Chris Hughes’ flawless final Eggheads appearance resurfaces after his passing
Chris Hughes’ last TV appearance on Eggheads has resurfaced following his passing at age 77
The legendary quizzer delivered a flawless performance, answering every question correctly.
He defeated a celebrity team that included Isy Suttie and Geoff Norcott, securing victory in style.
Fans remember the quizzing icon for his brilliance, with the show paying tribute to his legacy.
The Eggheads team issued a heartfelt statement following Chris Hughes’ passing, saying: “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.”
6
6
6
