Chris Hughes, the late Eggheads quiz show expert, bequeathed a quarter of his £200,000 estate to four charities, with the remainder going to his cousin.
Estate and Beneficiaries
Hughes passed away at age 77 on January 29, 2025, at his home in Crewe, Cheshire. His estate totaled £199,997 gross, with a net value of £195,385 according to the grant of probate.
In his will, drafted in June 2015, Hughes directed £20,000 to Cancer Research UK, £10,000 to the British Red Cross, and £10,000 each to Samaritans and Médecins Sans Frontières. The balance of £145,385 went to his cousin, Thelma Symons. He also specified his wish for cremation.
The grant of probate states: ‘Christopher John Hughes of Crossway, Crewe died on 29 January 2025. The last will and testament of Christopher John Hughes was proved and registered before the High Court of Justice. The application has stated that the gross value of the estate amounts to £199,997 and the net value amounts to £195,385.’
Extracts from the will confirm: ‘I give and bequeath the sum of £20,000 free of tax to Cancer Research UK. I give and bequeath the sum of £10,000 free of tax to the British Red Cross. I give and bequeath the sum of £10,000 free of tax to Samaritans. I give and bequeath the sum of £10,000 free of tax to Médecins Sans Frontières. I devise and bequeath the residue of my real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever to my cousin Thelma Symons.’
Career Highlights
Born in Enfield, Hughes attended a local grammar school before working as a train driver and railway employee. He gained national fame in 1983 by winning Mastermind and later Brain of Britain, joining an elite group of just seven double winners.
Weakest Link host Anne Robinson called him ‘the best contestant we have had on the Weakest Link’ after he reached the final elimination round without missing a question.
Hughes joined Eggheads in 2003 and appeared on the show for two decades, delivering sharp answers and memorable moments.
Tribute from Eggheads Team
In February 2025, the Eggheads social media page shared: ‘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.’
