Eggheads star Chris Hughes has died aged 77.

An official statement from the Eggheads X account announced with "immense sadness" that the TV personality, who sat on the panel of quiz experts since 2003, has passed away.

The statement said: "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."

During his career, Chris won Mastermind, International Mastermind and Brain of Britain. One of Britain's leading quizzers, he was one of only seven people to have won both Mastermind and Brain of Britain.

Anne Robinson said Chris was "the best contestant we have had on the Weakest Link" before he was voted out in the final elimination round without answering a single question incorrectly.

"I'm very disappointed to have fought my way through to the last three, never to have answered incorrectly, and then to be voted off because the other two daren't face me in the final proves that in this country today, and the world at large, mediocrity is a rule," Chris said after his exit.

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."

A second described Chris as a "wonderfully magnificent man" as another said they were "so sad" to hear the news.

A fourth added: "Saddened to hear that. Loved Eggheads. Wish it was brought back."

Robert Dean, a producer on Eggheads, echoed: "Very sad to say that our brilliant Egghead Chris has sadly passed away. 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."

First airing in 2003, Eggheads sees winners from shows like Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, The Weakest Link and Mastermind pitted against amateur quizzers who hope to walk away with prize money.

became the show's presenter in 2008 and continued hosting duties after the programme moved to Channel 5 in 2021.

In March 2023, original Eggheads star Judith Keppel came out of retirement to appear in the 2,000th episode of the popular quiz show.

Chris said it was "wonderful" to have Judith back on the panel again, adding: "Who would have ever thought that our little lunchtime quiz would make it to 2,000 episodes, and now be on Channel 5. It's incredible really."