Eggheads
Encyclopedia
Eggheads is a BBC
quiz show
created by 12 Yard
Productions, first broadcast in 2003, and presented by Dermot Murnaghan
. For the 2008 series, Jeremy Vine
was brought in to present on nights when Murnaghan was hosting the spinoff series Are You an Egghead?
This happened again from October 2009 while Murnaghan presented the second series of the spinoff show. The show pits a team of five 'Eggheads' (made up from seven highly regarded quiz and game show champions, rotating each episode) against a series of teams of five 'challengers' who in each episode attempt to beat the Eggheads through a series of rounds. It is normally shown weekdays every week.
answers. If after these three questions there is no winner, the round then goes into sudden death with each question now having no possible answers given.
The player who wins each round is then eligible to play in the final round whilst the losing players have to sit in their respective ‘question rooms’ and are not allowed to participate in the final general knowledge round.
The general knowledge round is then played in exactly the same format as the head-to-head rounds, and now gives the challengers the opportunity to win the prize money. If the Eggheads win the final round, the prize money increases by a 'rollover' system with another £1,000 added to the prize each day.
"Music" and "Film & Television" were introduced in Autumn 2008 through a split of the "Entertainment" category.
, presented by Dermot Murnaghan. This began airing on BBC2 on 20 October 2008. On 2 December 2008, Barry Simmons
, who had once been a contestant on the regular show, won the Are You an Egghead? final and became the sixth Egghead. He made his first appearance on the team on the regular show the same day.
won the 2nd series of Are You an Egghead?
and became the seventh Egghead to join the team, as of 25 November 2009. His first appearance as an Egghead was on the Celebrity Eggheads show on 7 December 2009.
Following the addition of Simmons and Gibson as Eggheads, the Eggheads team now operates on a rotating basis, still featuring five Eggheads per show.
.
The teams (all playing for charity):
On 7 December 2009, 10 more editions of Celebrity Eggheads began. These were also the first shows to feature Pat Gibson
, the seventh Egghead. The first 9 episodes aired on consecutive weekdays, with the 10th episode airing much later in March 2010.
The teams (again playing for charity):
From 13 December 2010, 10 Celebrity Eggheads episodes were aired for a third series.
The first teams were:
From 12 December 2011, the show returned for a fourth series.
The teams are:
The show has occasionally had well known people on the challenger teams. Multi-World Darts Champion Phil Taylor has appeared, as well as the England Women's Cricket Team, England Women's Squash Team, a team from the stage musical Avenue Q (including Daniel Boys
), PR consultant Lynne Franks
, entrepreneur Rachel Elnaugh
, Chris Moyles Show quizmaster Rob DJ, and reality TV celebrities such as Eugene Sully and Jade Goody
. Former Chelsea and England under 21 footballer David Lee
appeared on an instalment of series 12, broadcast 25 May 2011.
The British Bee Keepers Association (BBA) are the only team to appear twice. They were invited back to the show after a mistake was made in the Final - on the third multiple choice question to the Eggheads. The question asked was "In 1979, who became the first western rock star to play in the old Soviet Union
?" The programme makers believed the correct answer was Elton John
. Viewers to the show informed them that Cliff Richard
had played earlier in 1976. BBA failed to beat the Eggheads on both occasions.
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
quiz show
Quiz Show
Quiz Show is a 1994 American historical drama film produced and directed by Robert Redford. Adapted by Paul Attanasio from Richard Goodwin's memoir Remembering America, the film is based upon the Twenty One quiz show scandal of the 1950s...
created by 12 Yard
12 Yard
12 Yard Productions is a British television production company, founded by David Young and specialising in the game show genre. Its productions have included In It To Win It, Eggheads, The Rich List, and the critically acclaimed Without Prejudice?...
Productions, first broadcast in 2003, and presented by Dermot Murnaghan
Dermot Murnaghan
Dermot Murnaghan is a British journalist and television presenter.He is well known for his work as a presenter of ITV and BBC News as well as the shows Eggheads and Treasure Hunt . He co-presented BBC Breakfast from Monday to Thursday as well as regularly fronting national BBC news bulletins...
. For the 2008 series, Jeremy Vine
Jeremy Vine
Jeremy Guy Vine is a British author, journalist and news presenter for the BBC. He is known for his direct interview style and exclusive reporting from war-torn areas throughout Africa...
was brought in to present on nights when Murnaghan was hosting the spinoff series Are You an Egghead?
Are You an Egghead?
Are You an Egghead? was a BBC quiz show presented by Dermot Murnaghan. It is a spin off from the quiz show Eggheads, with its goal to find a further Egghead to complement the existing team. The first series was aired weekdays from 20 October to 2 December 2008 and was won by Barry Simmons...
This happened again from October 2009 while Murnaghan presented the second series of the spinoff show. The show pits a team of five 'Eggheads' (made up from seven highly regarded quiz and game show champions, rotating each episode) against a series of teams of five 'challengers' who in each episode attempt to beat the Eggheads through a series of rounds. It is normally shown weekdays every week.
Title sequence
The title sequence consists of a voiceover by the host stating 'These people are amongst the greatest quiz players in Britain. Together they make up the Eggheads, arguably the most formidable quiz team in the country. The question is: can they be beaten?' The seven (five or six, if the episode is a repeat of a previous episode that aired when only five or six Eggheads existed respectively) Eggheads are displayed in revolving egg shaped frames with a blue background.Rounds
The show is played in five rounds: the first four are each on a specific category whilst the final round is a general knowledge round. In each of these first four rounds, the Challengers are given a category and must choose a member of their own team to play and an Egghead against whom they wish to compete. The players for that round then leave the studio to go into the 'question room' outside. The challenger is given the choice of going first or second, and both players are then asked in turn three questions each, which have multiple choiceMultiple choice
Multiple choice is a form of assessment in which respondents are asked to select the best possible answer out of the choices from a list. The multiple choice format is most frequently used in educational testing, in market research, and in elections-- when a person chooses between multiple...
answers. If after these three questions there is no winner, the round then goes into sudden death with each question now having no possible answers given.
The player who wins each round is then eligible to play in the final round whilst the losing players have to sit in their respective ‘question rooms’ and are not allowed to participate in the final general knowledge round.
The general knowledge round is then played in exactly the same format as the head-to-head rounds, and now gives the challengers the opportunity to win the prize money. If the Eggheads win the final round, the prize money increases by a 'rollover' system with another £1,000 added to the prize each day.
Subjects
There are nine possible subjects in the head-to-head rounds."Music" and "Film & Television" were introduced in Autumn 2008 through a split of the "Entertainment" category.
"Eggheads"
The quiz champions who compete on the show as the titular "Eggheads" are:- Kevin AshmanKevin AshmanKevin Ashman from Winchester, Hampshire in England is one of the world's most successful quiz players and since 2002 a professional quizzer, an Egghead since 2003...
: (2003–present). 8 times winner of British Quiz ChampionshipBritish Quiz ChampionshipThe British Quiz Championship, also termed the British Quizzing Championship, commonly abbreviated BQC is the United Kingdom's most prestigious quiz competition. The current competition are organised since 2004 by Chris Jones' and IQA-CEO Jane Allen's company Quizzing Ltd...
, 5 times winner of European Quizzing ChampionshipsEuropean Quizzing ChampionshipsThe European Quizzing Championships are an annual multi-disciplinary quiz event, in which representatives from various countries compete as individuals, teams and pairs. The last championships took place in Bruges, Belgium 4-6 November 2011...
, 4 times winner of World Quizzing Championships, 1989 winner of Fifteen to OneFifteen to OneFifteen to One was a popular general knowledge quiz show broadcast on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom. It ran from 4 January 1988 to 19 December 2003, and had a reputation for being one of the toughest quizzes on TV. Throughout the show's run it was presented and produced by William G. Stewart...
, 1999 winner of Fifteen to OneFifteen to OneFifteen to One was a popular general knowledge quiz show broadcast on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom. It ran from 4 January 1988 to 19 December 2003, and had a reputation for being one of the toughest quizzes on TV. Throughout the show's run it was presented and produced by William G. Stewart...
: Champion of Champions, 1995 MastermindMastermind (TV series)Mastermind is a British quiz show, well known for its challenging questions, intimidating setting and air of seriousness.Devised by Bill Wright, the basic format of Mastermind has never changed — four and in later contests five contestants face two rounds, one on a specialised subject of the...
(including all-time record score), 1996 Brain of BritainBrain of BritainBrain of Britain is a BBC radio general knowledge quiz, broadcast on BBC Radio 4.-History:It began as a slot in What Do You Know? in 1953 before becoming a programme in its own right in 1967. It was chaired by Franklin Engelmann until his death in 1972.-Format:The format of the quiz is simple...
(including all-time record score), 1998 Brain of BritainBrain of BritainBrain of Britain is a BBC radio general knowledge quiz, broadcast on BBC Radio 4.-History:It began as a slot in What Do You Know? in 1953 before becoming a programme in its own right in 1967. It was chaired by Franklin Engelmann until his death in 1972.-Format:The format of the quiz is simple...
: Brain of Brains, 1998 Brain of BritainBrain of BritainBrain of Britain is a BBC radio general knowledge quiz, broadcast on BBC Radio 4.-History:It began as a slot in What Do You Know? in 1953 before becoming a programme in its own right in 1967. It was chaired by Franklin Engelmann until his death in 1972.-Format:The format of the quiz is simple...
: Top Brain, 10 times Brain of London, 2 times Gold Medalist for quizzing at the Mind Sports Olympiad, 2 times Master Brain, winner of Sale of the Century, Quiz Night, Trivial Pursuit and The Great British Quiz. Captain of the England quiz team and ranked the number 1 quizzer in the world. - CJ de Mooi: (2003–present). 2002 Beat the NationBeat the NationBeat The Nation was a quiz show on the UK commercial channel Channel 4 that ran for just one series and 120 episodes from 5 January to 2 July 2004...
, 2001 winner of 100% and 2000 winner of The Weakest LinkThe Weakest LinkThe Weakest Link is a television game show which first appeared in the United Kingdom on BBC Two on 14 August 2000 and will end its run in 2012 when its host Anne Robinson ends her contract. The original British version of the show airs around the world on BBC Entertainment...
as well as having been MensaMensa InternationalMensa is the largest and oldest high-IQ society in the world. It is a non-profit organization open to people who score at the 98th percentile or higher on a standardised, supervised IQ or other approved intelligence test...
chess champion. - Daphne FowlerDaphne FowlerDaphne Fowler born January 1939 in Warwick, Warwickshire, England, is a British retired bank secretary and game show champion who currently resides in Weston-super-Mare. Since taking early retirement, she has taken part in many televised game shows...
: (2003–present). 2001 winner of Fifteen to OneFifteen to OneFifteen to One was a popular general knowledge quiz show broadcast on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom. It ran from 4 January 1988 to 19 December 2003, and had a reputation for being one of the toughest quizzes on TV. Throughout the show's run it was presented and produced by William G. Stewart...
, 1997 Brain of BritainBrain of BritainBrain of Britain is a BBC radio general knowledge quiz, broadcast on BBC Radio 4.-History:It began as a slot in What Do You Know? in 1953 before becoming a programme in its own right in 1967. It was chaired by Franklin Engelmann until his death in 1972.-Format:The format of the quiz is simple...
and 1988 winner of Going for GoldGoing for GoldGoing for Gold is a British television game show that originally aired on BBC1 between 12 October 1987 and 9 July 1996.It has since been revived for Channel 5 from 13 October 2008 to 20 March 2009...
. - Chris Hughes: (2003–present). 1983 MastermindMastermind (TV series)Mastermind is a British quiz show, well known for its challenging questions, intimidating setting and air of seriousness.Devised by Bill Wright, the basic format of Mastermind has never changed — four and in later contests five contestants face two rounds, one on a specialised subject of the...
, International MastermindInternational MastermindInternational Mastermind was an international spin-off of the BBC Mastermind quiz show.-History:The 1979 competition was a one-off series hosted by Magnús Magnússon involving the winners of Mastermind from around the world, including UK Mastermind champions David Hunt and Rosemary James, or winners...
and 2005 Brain of BritainBrain of BritainBrain of Britain is a BBC radio general knowledge quiz, broadcast on BBC Radio 4.-History:It began as a slot in What Do You Know? in 1953 before becoming a programme in its own right in 1967. It was chaired by Franklin Engelmann until his death in 1972.-Format:The format of the quiz is simple...
. - Judith KeppelJudith KeppelJudith Cynthia Aline Keppel was the first one million-pound winner on the television game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in the United Kingdom.-Personal life:...
: (2003–present). first British winner of £1,000,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. - Barry SimmonsBarry SimmonsBarry Simmons was the winner of the BBC Two show Are You an Egghead? and as a result became the sixth Egghead, joining Kevin Ashman, C. J...
: (2008–present). winner of Are You an Egghead?Are You an Egghead?Are You an Egghead? was a BBC quiz show presented by Dermot Murnaghan. It is a spin off from the quiz show Eggheads, with its goal to find a further Egghead to complement the existing team. The first series was aired weekdays from 20 October to 2 December 2008 and was won by Barry Simmons...
, semi-finalist on MastermindMastermind (TV series)Mastermind is a British quiz show, well known for its challenging questions, intimidating setting and air of seriousness.Devised by Bill Wright, the basic format of Mastermind has never changed — four and in later contests five contestants face two rounds, one on a specialised subject of the...
, finalist on Brain of BritainBrain of BritainBrain of Britain is a BBC radio general knowledge quiz, broadcast on BBC Radio 4.-History:It began as a slot in What Do You Know? in 1953 before becoming a programme in its own right in 1967. It was chaired by Franklin Engelmann until his death in 1972.-Format:The format of the quiz is simple...
, £64,000 winner on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (UK game show)Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is a British television quiz show which offers a maximum cash prize of one million pounds for correctly answering successive multiple-choice questions of increasing difficulty...
, winning member 2006 MasterteamMasterteamMasterteam is a BBC television and radio quiz show, devised by the team which made Mastermind. The show was devised by Dave Ross at the BBC Quiz Unit....
and now member of the Scotland Quiz Team. - Pat GibsonPat GibsonPat Gibson is an Irish multiple quiz show winner and a panellist on Eggheads.He was born and educated in Ireland but has lived in the United Kingdom for many years, and has represented England in the European Quizzing Championships since 2005.- Early life and education :Pat was born in Galway in...
: (2009–present). winner of Are You an Egghead?Are You an Egghead?Are You an Egghead? was a BBC quiz show presented by Dermot Murnaghan. It is a spin off from the quiz show Eggheads, with its goal to find a further Egghead to complement the existing team. The first series was aired weekdays from 20 October to 2 December 2008 and was won by Barry Simmons...
Series 2, 2 times winner (2007,2010) of British Quiz ChampionshipBritish Quiz ChampionshipThe British Quiz Championship, also termed the British Quizzing Championship, commonly abbreviated BQC is the United Kingdom's most prestigious quiz competition. The current competition are organised since 2004 by Chris Jones' and IQA-CEO Jane Allen's company Quizzing Ltd...
, 2 times winner (2007,2010) of World Quizzing Championships, 2005 winner of MastermindMastermind (TV series)Mastermind is a British quiz show, well known for its challenging questions, intimidating setting and air of seriousness.Devised by Bill Wright, the basic format of Mastermind has never changed — four and in later contests five contestants face two rounds, one on a specialised subject of the...
, 2010 winner of Mastermind: Champion of Champions, 2006 winner of Brain of BritainBrain of BritainBrain of Britain is a BBC radio general knowledge quiz, broadcast on BBC Radio 4.-History:It began as a slot in What Do You Know? in 1953 before becoming a programme in its own right in 1967. It was chaired by Franklin Engelmann until his death in 1972.-Format:The format of the quiz is simple...
, £1,000,000 winner on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (UK game show)Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is a British television quiz show which offers a maximum cash prize of one million pounds for correctly answering successive multiple-choice questions of increasing difficulty...
, amassing 21 international quizzing medals, and ranked the second strongest quizzer in the UK, behind Kevin Ashman.
Sixth Egghead
In May 2008, auditions began for a sixth person to join the Eggheads team. These auditions were developed into a spin-off show, Are You an Egghead?Are You an Egghead?
Are You an Egghead? was a BBC quiz show presented by Dermot Murnaghan. It is a spin off from the quiz show Eggheads, with its goal to find a further Egghead to complement the existing team. The first series was aired weekdays from 20 October to 2 December 2008 and was won by Barry Simmons...
, presented by Dermot Murnaghan. This began airing on BBC2 on 20 October 2008. On 2 December 2008, Barry Simmons
Barry Simmons
Barry Simmons was the winner of the BBC Two show Are You an Egghead? and as a result became the sixth Egghead, joining Kevin Ashman, C. J...
, who had once been a contestant on the regular show, won the Are You an Egghead? final and became the sixth Egghead. He made his first appearance on the team on the regular show the same day.
Seventh Egghead
Pat GibsonPat Gibson
Pat Gibson is an Irish multiple quiz show winner and a panellist on Eggheads.He was born and educated in Ireland but has lived in the United Kingdom for many years, and has represented England in the European Quizzing Championships since 2005.- Early life and education :Pat was born in Galway in...
won the 2nd series of Are You an Egghead?
Are You an Egghead?
Are You an Egghead? was a BBC quiz show presented by Dermot Murnaghan. It is a spin off from the quiz show Eggheads, with its goal to find a further Egghead to complement the existing team. The first series was aired weekdays from 20 October to 2 December 2008 and was won by Barry Simmons...
and became the seventh Egghead to join the team, as of 25 November 2009. His first appearance as an Egghead was on the Celebrity Eggheads show on 7 December 2009.
Following the addition of Simmons and Gibson as Eggheads, the Eggheads team now operates on a rotating basis, still featuring five Eggheads per show.
Celebrity Eggheads
On 15 December 2008, a special edition of Eggheads began, airing 5 shows of Celebrity Eggheads, ending on 19 December 2008 presented by Dermot MurnaghanDermot Murnaghan
Dermot Murnaghan is a British journalist and television presenter.He is well known for his work as a presenter of ITV and BBC News as well as the shows Eggheads and Treasure Hunt . He co-presented BBC Breakfast from Monday to Thursday as well as regularly fronting national BBC news bulletins...
.
The teams (all playing for charity):
- BBC Radio Five LiveBBC Radio Five LiveBBC Radio 5 Live is the BBC's national radio service that specialises in live BBC News, phone-ins, and sports commentaries...
presenters featuring Nicky CampbellNicky CampbellNicholas Andrew Argyll "Nicky" Campbell is a Scottish radio and television presenter and journalist. He is known for his time presenting on programmes such as the consumer affairs programme Watchdog...
, Shelagh FogartyShelagh FogartyShelagh Fogarty, born 13 January 1966 in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, is a radio and television presenter and journalist. She formerly hosted the BBC Radio 5 Live breakfast show with Nicky Campbell.-Early life:...
, Robert HarleyRobert Harley (writer)Robert Harley is a British comedy writer and performer, most noted for his work in the sketch show Smack the Pony and the sitcom Green Wing, where he also plays Charles, the CEO of East Hampton Hospital Trust. He is the co-founder of independent production company Monicker Pictures.- Performer :...
, Jonathan MaitlandJonathan MaitlandJonathan Maitland is a British broadcaster, writer and author.-Early life:He was educated at Epsom College, and holds a law degree from King's College London.-Journalism:...
and Fiona FosterFiona FosterFiona Foster is a British television presenter and journalist with a lively high note voice, who has also spent several years working in the United States. She is currently a presenter on the BBC World travel programme Fast Track....
. - BBC Newsreaders and journalists featuring Bill TurnbullBill TurnbullWilliam Robert "Bill" Turnbull is an English journalist and presenter, currently employed by the BBC and best known for presenting BBC Breakfast...
, Sian Williams, Nick RobinsonNick RobinsonNicholas Anthony "Nick" Robinson is a British journalist and political editor for the BBC. Robinson was interested in politics from a young age, and went on to study a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics degree at Oxford University, where he was also President of the Oxford University Conservative...
, Louise MinchinLouise MinchinLouise Minchin is an English journalist and presenter. She is currently a regular presenter on the BBC News channel, as well as being the main relief presenter for the BBC News at One and BBC Breakfast and a guest presenter on The One Show.-Early life:Born Louise Grayson in 1968 in Hong Kong , to...
and Charlie StaytCharlie StaytCharles Stayt is a British journalist and presenter, currently working freelance with the BBC as a presenter of BBC Breakfast.-Early life:Stayt was born in 1962 in Gloucester in Gloucestershire, in the West of England...
. - Sport stars featuring Matt DawsonMatt DawsonMatthew James Sutherland "Daws" Dawson, MBE is a retired English rugby union player who played scrum half for Wasps and Northampton Saints. During his international career he toured with the British and Irish Lions three times and was part of England's 2003 Rugby World Cup winning side...
, Phil TufnellPhil TufnellPhilip Clive Roderick Tufnell is a former English cricketer turned television personality. A slow left-arm orthodox spin bowler, "Tuffers" as he was known played 42 Tests and 20 One Day International matches for England, as well as playing for Middlesex from 1986 to 2002...
, Sally GunnellSally GunnellSally Jane Janet Gunnell OBE is a former British Olympic champion in the 400 m hurdles...
, Tessa SandersonTessa SandersonTheresa Ione Sanderson CBE is a former British javelin thrower and heptathlete who competed in the javelin competition in every one of the six Olympics from 1976–1996 winning the Gold medal in 1984...
and Dame Tanni Grey-ThompsonTanni Grey-ThompsonCarys Davina "Tanni" Grey-Thompson, Baroness Grey-Thompson, DBE is a Welsh athlete and TV presenter.Grey-Thompson was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. She is considered to be one of the most successful disabled athletes in the UK...
. - Celebrity chefs featuring John Burton RaceJohn Burton RaceJohn Burton Race is a British michelin starred chef, television personality and celebrity chef, made famous by the Channel 4 series French Leave and its sequel Return of the Chef and I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here.-Biography:John Burton Race, successful Michelin Star chef, television...
, James TannerJames TannerJames Tanner is a British chef and television personality. He currently appears on the BBC cookery programme Ready Steady Cook.-Early life:...
, Atul KochharAtul KochharAtul Kochhar is an Indian-born British chef. Born in Jamshedpur in northern India, Kochhar was trained and worked at the Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi.-Biography:In 1994, he was appointed head chef at the Tamarind restaurant, in Mayfair, London...
, Aiden ByrneAiden ByrneAiden Byrne is head chef and owner of The Collingwood, a bar and restaurant in West Kirby. and of The Church Green in Lymm, Cheshire. He also runs the British Grill in the Craxton Wood hotel near Chester....
and Oliver Rowe. - Celebrity experts featuring Kristian DigbyKristian DigbyKristian Digby was an English television presenter and director best known for presenting To Buy or Not to Buy on BBC One. On 1 March 2010 he was found dead in what police said were "unexplained circumstances"...
, Jonty HearndenJonty HearndenJonty Hearnden is an English antiques expert and television presenter. Though born in London Road, Brentwood , he was raised in Dorchester-on-Thames in Oxfordshire.-Education:Hearnden was educated at Shiplake College, an independent...
, Joe SwiftJoe SwiftJoe Swift is an English garden designer, journalist and television personality.-Television career:Swift is a regular presenter and designer on the BBC's Gardeners' World, co-presenter on the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, Gardeners' World Live, Hampton Court, RHS Tatton Park...
, Declan CurryDeclan CurryDeclan Curry is an Irish journalist, presenter and businessman, currently employed by the BBC and best known as the former Business Correspondent for BBC Breakfast.-Early career:Curry studied chemistry at Imperial College, London...
and Anton Du BekeAnton du BekeAnton du Beke is a British ballroom dancer and television presenter. His professional dance partner since 1997 has been Erin Boag. With Boag, he won the IDTA Classic in England in November 2003.-Family and early life:...
.
On 7 December 2009, 10 more editions of Celebrity Eggheads began. These were also the first shows to feature Pat Gibson
Pat Gibson
Pat Gibson is an Irish multiple quiz show winner and a panellist on Eggheads.He was born and educated in Ireland but has lived in the United Kingdom for many years, and has represented England in the European Quizzing Championships since 2005.- Early life and education :Pat was born in Galway in...
, the seventh Egghead. The first 9 episodes aired on consecutive weekdays, with the 10th episode airing much later in March 2010.
The teams (again playing for charity):
- BBC Radio 2BBC Radio 2BBC Radio 2 is one of the BBC's national radio stations and the most popular station in the United Kingdom. Much of its daytime playlist-based programming is best described as Adult Contemporary or AOR, although the station is also noted for its specialist broadcasting of other musical genres...
presenters featuring Paul GambacciniPaul GambacciniPaul Matthew Gambaccini is a radio and television presenter in the United Kingdom...
, Suzi QuatroSuzi QuatroSusan Kay "Suzi" Quatro is an American singer-songwriter, bass player, and actor.She scored a string of hit singles in the 1970s that found greater success in Europe and Australia than in her homeland, and had a recurring role on the popular American sitcom Happy Days.-Music:Quatro began her...
, Richard AllinsonRichard AllinsonRichard John McNeill Allinson is a British broadcaster. He started his broadcasting with a 3-year stint at Bailrigg FM, known at that time as University Radio Bailrigg ,whilst undertaking college courses at Lancaster University Management School. He was firstly Treasurer and then became President...
, Clare TealClare TealClare Teal is an English jazz singer who has become famous not only for her singing, but also for having signed the biggest ever recording contract by a British jazz singer.-Biography:...
and Alex LesterAlex LesterAlex Lester is a British broadcaster. He presents the weekday overnight/early-morning programme on BBC Radio 2...
. - Sporting legends featuring John InverdaleJohn InverdaleJohn Inverdale , is an English radio and television broadcaster who works for the BBC, mainly covering sporting events.-Biography:...
, Dennis TaylorDennis TaylorDennis Taylor is a retired snooker player, and current BBC snooker commentator. Winner of two ranking events, he is best known for winning the 1985 World Championship, beating World number one Steve Davis on the final black in one of the sport's most memorable finals...
, Mark LawrensonMark LawrensonMark Thomas Lawrenson is a former professional football player, a defender in the Liverpool and Irish football teams of the 1980s; he since became a radio, television and internet pundit for the BBC and Today FM. He was born in England, but played for the Republic of Ireland because his...
, Graham BellGraham Bell (skier)Graham Bell is a former professional skier and television pundit. Graham Bell was the younger of the two Bell brothers from Britain....
and Bob ChampionBob ChampionRobert "Bob" Champion MBE was born in Guisborough, in the north of England, on 4 June 1948. He is an English jump jockey who won the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti. His triumph was made into a film Champions, with John Hurt portraying Champion...
. - Antiques RoadshowAntiques RoadshowAntiques Roadshow is a British television show in which antiques appraisers travel to various regions of the United Kingdom to appraise antiques brought in by local people. It has been running since 1979...
experts featuring Hilary KayHilary KayHilary Kay is a British antiques expert, author and lecturer, probably best known for her many appearances on BBC TVs Antiques Roadshow programme on which she is one of the team of experts....
, Marc Allum, Eric KnowlesEric KnowlesEric Knowles is a British antiques expert whose main interest is in ceramics.He first became famous after being a ceramics expert on the Antiques Roadshow. He has also appeared in such programmes as, Going for a Song, Going, Going, Gone, Noel's House Party, Call My Bluff and 20th Century Roadshow...
, Paul AtterburyPaul AtterburyPaul Atterbury, FRSA is a British antiques expert, probably best known for his many appearances since 1979 on the BBC TV programme Antiques Roadshow.-Biography:...
and Lars TharpLars TharpLars Broholm Tharp is a Danish-born historian, lecturer and broadcaster, and one of the longest running 'experts' on the BBC antiques programme, Antiques Roadshow, first appearing in 1986.-Early life and education:...
. - Grumpy Old WomenGrumpy Old WomenFor the live show, see Grumpy Old Women LiveGrumpy Old Women is a British television series, continuing in the same vein as its predecessor, Grumpy Old Men. Both programmes are shown on BBC Two. The first two series were narrated by Alison Steadman, and the third by Judith Holder...
featuring Jenni Trent HughesJenni Trent HughesJenni Trent Hughes is an American life strategist, coach and agony aunt, who specialises in relationships and family issues. She is also a successful TV and radio broadcaster, author and magazine columnist. Although born in Jamaica, Hughes now lives and works mainly in the UK.Her career began, and...
, Helen LedererHelen LedererHelen Lederer is a Welsh comedienne, writer and actress who emerged as part of the alternative comedy boom at the beginning of the 1980s.-Career:...
, Indira JoshiIndira JoshiIndira Joshi is a British actress of Indian ethnicity. She has appeared in episodes of many well-known British dramas, including Holby City, Doctors, All About Me, The Bill and Coronation Street. However, she is probably best known for her role as Madhuri Kumar in the spoof chat show The Kumars at...
, Dillie KeaneDillie KeaneLouise M. "Dillie" Keane is an Olivier Award-nominated actress, singer and comedienne. She is perhaps best known as one third of the comedy cabaret trio Fascinating Aida since its 1983 inception, but she has also had a prominent solo career.-Theatre and Fascinating Aida:Keane was nominated for a...
and Kim WoodburnKim WoodburnKim Woodburn is an English television presenter and expert cleaner who is best known for co-presenting the British television programme How Clean Is Your House? and in 2007, starred in the Canadian series Kim's Rude Awakenings.-Early career:Woodburn undertook many jobs in her adult life...
. - OlympicOlympic GamesThe Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
champions featuring Sir Matthew PinsentMatthew PinsentSir Matthew Clive Pinsent CBE is an English rower and broadcaster. During his rowing career, he won 10 world championship gold medals and four consecutive Olympic gold medals, of which three were with Steve Redgrave...
, Roger BlackRoger BlackRoger Anthony Black MBE is a retired British athlete. During his athletics career, he won individual silver medals in the 400 metres sprint at both the Olympic Games and World Championships, two individual gold medals at the European Championships, and 4x400 metres relay gold medals at both the...
, Sharron DaviesSharron DaviesSharron Elizabeth Davies MBE is a retired swimmer from the United Kingdom. She won a silver medal in the 400 metre individual medley at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, and two gold medals at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton...
, Mark FosterMark Foster (swimmer)Mark Andrew Foster is a British professional swimmer, specialising in butterfly and freestyle at 50 metres....
and Ade Adepitan. - Celebrity MastermindCelebrity MastermindCelebrity Mastermind is a British television quiz show broadcast by BBC television. The show is a spin-off of the long running quiz show Mastermind, with the exception that all the contestants are celebrities. As with the main show, John Humphrys is the host and question-master...
winners featuring Shaun WilliamsonShaun WilliamsonShaun Williamson is an English actor, singer, media personality and occasional presenter, best known for his former role as Barry Evans in soap opera EastEnders and as a version of himself in BBC sitcom Extras.- Career :...
, Jan RavensJan RavensJanet "Jan" Ravens is an English actress and impressionist, famous for her voices on Spitting Image and Dead Ringers.-Early life:...
, DJ SpoonyDJ SpoonyDJ Spoony is the stage name of Johnathan Joseph who is a British DJ, and former BBC Radio 1 presenter.-Radio and Dj career:...
, Paul RossPaul RossPaul Ross is an English television and radio presenter, journalist, and media personality. He is the son of Martha Ross and the elder brother of Jonathan Ross.-Early life:...
and Kaye AdamsKaye Adams (presenter)Kaye Adams is a Scottish television presenter, best known for presenting Loose Women from 1999 to 2006.-Early life:...
. - Blue PeterBlue PeterBlue Peter is the world's longest-running children's television show, having first aired in 1958. It is shown on CBBC, both in its BBC One programming block and on the CBBC channel. During its history there have been many presenters, often consisting of two women and two men at a time...
presenters featuring Peter PurvesPeter PurvesPeter Purves is an English television presenter and actor.Purves was born in New Longton, near Preston, Lancashire, and was educated at the independent Arnold School in Blackpool, he had originally planned to go into teaching, training at Alsager College of Education, but began to act with the...
, Janet EllisJanet EllisJanet Ellis is a British television presenter and actress, who appeared on BBC children's television in the 1980s, including a four year period as a presenter on Blue Peter, a role she won after hosting the award-winning children's programme Jigsaw.- Early life :Ellis's father was a soldier,...
, Liz BarkerLiz BarkerElizabeth Jane 'Liz' Barker is a television presenter on British television. She has one younger sister, Suzanne and is a distant relative of guitarist Dave Hill....
, Simon GroomSimon GroomSimon Groom is a British Producer & Director, best known as a former presenter of Blue Peter.Groom was born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, and was brought up on a farm in Dethick, which he often visited for Blue Peter reports...
and Diane-Louise JordanDiane-Louise JordanDiane-Louise Jordan is a British television presenter. She was the first black presenter of the children's television programme Blue Peter, being involved in the programme from 25 January 1990 until 26 February 1996, making her its fourth longest-serving female presenter .Born in 1960, Jordan grew...
. - Female newsreaders and journalists featuring Jennie BondJennie BondJennifer "Jennie" Bond is an English journalist and television presenter. She worked for fourteen years as the BBC's royal correspondent. She has most recently hosted Cash in the Attic and narrated the five series programme, Great British Menu.-Early career:She was educated at St...
, Angela RipponAngela RipponAngela M. Rippon, OBE, born 12 October 1944, Plymouth, Devon, England, is an English television journalist, newsreader, writer and presenter. Rippon presented radio and television news programmes in South West England before moving to BBC One's Nine O'Clock News, becoming a regular presenter in 1975...
, Sue MacGregorSue MacGregorSusan Katriona MacGregor CBE is a British writer and broadcaster.-Early life:Her parents were Scottish and emigrated to South Africa where she was brought up. Her father was a doctor, a neurologist who was in the British 14th Army in Burma in the Royal Army Medical Corps...
, Jan LeemingJan LeemingJan Leeming is a British TV presenter and newsreader.-Career:Born Janet Atkins in Kent, England, and educated at the St. Joseph's Convent Grammar School, she worked as an actress and presenter in Australia and New Zealand before becoming a well-known face on British television in regional and...
and Rosie BoycottRosie BoycottRosel Marie Boycott , better known as Rosie Boycott, is a British journalist and feminist.-Journalism career:Daughter of Major Charles Boycott and Betty Boycott née Le Sueur, Rosel Boycott was born in St Helier, Jersey and was educated at the independent Cheltenham Ladies' College and read...
. - The One ShowThe One ShowThe One Show is a topical magazine-style daily television programme broadcast live on BBC One and BBC One HD, hosted by Alex Jones and Matt Baker. Chris Evans joins Jones to present the programme on Friday...
presenters featuring Gyles BrandrethGyles BrandrethGyles Daubeney Brandreth is a British writer, broadcaster and former Conservative Member of Parliament and junior minister.-Early life:...
, Angellica BellAngellica BellAngellica Bell is a British television and radio presenter.-Early life:Born in 1976 of St. Lucian heritage, Bell was educated in Ealing, West London at Notting Hill & Ealing High School. She later earned her BA Honours degree in Politics.-Television career:2000–2006Bell joined CBBC in May 2000...
, Lucy SiegleLucy SiegleLucy Siegle is a British journalist and writer on environmental issues.Siegle has written a weekly ethical living column for The Observer since 2004, and two books, including Green Living in the Urban Jungle and To Die For .Siegle has contributed to various television and radio programs,...
, Mike DilgerMike DilgerMike Dilger is a British Ecologist and Television presenter who best is known for being the wildlife reporter on the BBC Television program The One Show...
and George McGavinGeorge McGavinGeorge C. McGavin FLS FRGS is an entomologist, author, academic, television presenter and explorer.He is Honorary Research Associate at Oxford University Museum of Natural History and The Department of Zoology of Oxford University, where he lists his interests as "Terrestrial arthropods especially...
. - Former Apprentice contestants: Kristina Grimes, Raef BjayouRaef BjayouRaphael "Raef" Bjayou is a British entrepreneur and television presenter who was a contestant on series four of The Apprentice .-Education:...
, James McQuillan, Philip Taylor and Tre Azam.
From 13 December 2010, 10 Celebrity Eggheads episodes were aired for a third series.
The first teams were:
- Hi-de-Hi!Hi-de-Hi!Hi-de-Hi! is a British sitcom that aired on the BBC from 1980-1988. It was set in a holiday camp during the 1950s and 1960s and was written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, who had written Dad's Army and It Ain't Half Hot Mum. The title was the phrase used to greet the campers and in early episodes...
writer and actors featuring Jimmy PerryJimmy PerryJimmy Perry OBE is an English writer, scriptwriter, producer, author and actor, most famous for devising and co-writing the BBC sitcoms Dad's Army with David Croft.-Education:...
, Nikki KellyNikki KellyNikki Kelly is an English actress, who is best known for her role as Sylvia Garnsey in the long-running British sitcom Hi-de-Hi!....
, Barry HowardBarry HowardBarry Howard is an English actor who is best known for his role as Barry Stuart-Hargreaves in the first seven series of the long-running BBC sitcom Hi-de-Hi!...
, Jeffrey HollandJeffrey HollandJeffrey Holland is an English actor well known for roles in television sitcoms, as well as BBC Radio comedy, including Week Ending.-Early life and career:...
and Paul Shane - Newsreaders and journalists featuring Martin BellMartin BellMartin Bell, OBE, is a British UNICEF Ambassador, a former broadcast war reporter and former independent politician...
, Brian HanrahanBrian HanrahanBrian Hanrahan was the Diplomatic Editor for BBC News and a well known correspondent. He also presented The World at One on BBC Radio Four and appeared on regular cover shifts on the rolling news channel BBC News 24...
, Nicholas Owen, Sandy GallSandy GallHenderson Alexander Gall, CMG, CBE , known as Sandy Gall, is a Scottish journalist, author, and former ITN news presenter. His career as a journalist spans over 50 years.-Education:...
and Stanley Johnson - BBC weather forecasters featuring Peter GibbsPeter GibbsPeter Gibbs is a BBC Weather forecaster, who appears regularly on BBC News, BBC World News and BBC Radio, particularly BBC Radio Four. He has previously worked on the BBC News at One, BBC News at Six, BBC News at Ten and BBC Breakfast....
, John HammondJohn Hammond (weather forecaster)John Hammond is an English weather forecaster for the BBC. He can be seen presenting weather forecasts on BBC News, BBC One, BBC Red Button, BBC World News and BBC Radio...
, Phil Avery, Simon King, Chris FawkesChris FawkesChris Fawkes is a BBC Weather forecaster. He appears regularly on BBC News, BBC World News, BBC Red Button, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live... - Natural history presenters featuring Bill OddieBill OddieWilliam "Bill" Edgar Oddie OBE is an English author, actor, comedian, artist, naturalist and musician, who became famous as one of The Goodies....
, Chris PackhamChris PackhamChristopher George "Chris" Packham is an English naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter and author. He is the brother of fashion designer, Jenny Packham...
, Nick Baker, Philippa ForresterPhilippa ForresterPhilippa Forrester is an English television and radio presenter, producer and author. Having presented shows such as Tomorrow's World, The Heaven and Earth Show and Robot Wars, she now makes wildlife programmes with her husband, Charlie Hamilton James.-Education:Forrester was educated at Westgate...
and Mark O'SheaMark O'SheaMark O'Shea is a herpetologist, photographer, author, lecturer, and television personality.Originally from Wolverhampton, Mark O'Shea moved to Shropshire in 2001... - House and garden experts featuring Toby BucklandToby BucklandToby Neale Buckland is a British gardener, TV presenter and author, best known for being the main presenter from 2008-10 of BBC's long running flagship gardening programme Gardeners' World....
, Aggie MacKenzieAggie MacKenzieAgnes MacKenzie , is a Scottish television presenter. She is most prominently known for co-presenting the Channel 4 series How Clean Is Your House? with Kim Woodburn.-Biography:...
, James Alexander Sinclair, Chris CollinsBlue PeterBlue Peter is the world's longest-running children's television show, having first aired in 1958. It is shown on CBBC, both in its BBC One programming block and on the CBBC channel. During its history there have been many presenters, often consisting of two women and two men at a time...
and Craig PhillipsCraig PhillipsCraig Phillips is an English builder, DIY expert, television personality and presenter, best known for winning the first series of the British reality television show Big Brother... - Doctor WhoDoctor WhoDoctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
team featuring Colin BakerColin BakerColin Baker is a British actor who is known for playing Paul Merroney in The Brothers from 1974 to 1976 and as the sixth incarnation of the Doctor in the long-running science fiction television series Doctor Who, from 1984 to 1986.- Background:Colin Baker was born in London, but moved north to...
, Katy ManningKaty ManningKaty Manning is an English actress best known for her part as the companion Jo Grant in the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who. She has also made many theatre appearances, and is now a citizen of Australia. She is myopic...
, Frazer HinesFrazer HinesFrazer Hines is an English actor best known for his roles as Jamie McCrimmon in Doctor Who and Joe Sugden in Emmerdale. Hines was born in Horsforth, a civil parish of Leeds.-Acting career:...
, Louise JamesonLouise JamesonLouise Jameson is an English actress, best known for playing Leela, the leather-clad barbarian warrior companion of the fourth Doctor in Doctor Who. Jameson has also appeared on Emmerdale , The Omega Factor Louise Jameson (born 20 April 1951 in Wanstead, London) is an English actress, best known...
and John LeesonJohn LeesonJohn Leeson is a British actor who is best known for voicing K-9 on the television series Doctor Who from 1977 to 1979, and again in the 1980–1981 season. He was called back to do the voice of K-9 again for the 2006 episode "School Reunion" and again for the 2008 Doctor Who episode "Journey's End"... - Former Radio 1BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
DJs featuring Tony BlackburnTony BlackburnTony Blackburn is an English disc jockey, who broadcast on the "pirate" stations Radio Caroline and Radio London in the 1960s and was the first disc jockey to broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in 1967. In 2002 he was the winner of the ITV reality TV programme I'm a Celebrity.....
, Mike ReadMike ReadMichael David Kenneth Read is an English radio disc jockey, writer, journalist and television presenter.-Early life:...
, David Hamilton, Ed StewartEd StewartEd Stewart is a radio broadcaster from England. His real name is Edward Mainwaring but he is known by the nickname Ed Stewpot Stewart.-Early life and career:...
and David JensenDavid JensenDavid "Kid" Jensen , is a Danish Canadian-born, British radio DJ.-Early career:Born in a Danish family residing Victoria, British Columbia, Jensen began his career in his home country at the age of sixteen playing jazz and classical music. He then joined Radio Luxembourg at the age of eighteen in... - BBC Sports Personality of the YearBBC Sports Personality of the YearThe BBC Sports Personality of the Year is an awards ceremony that takes place annually in December. Devised by Paul Fox in 1954, it originally consisted of one titular award. Several new awards have been introduced, and , eight awards are presented. The oldest of these are the Team of the Year and...
winners featuring John ContehJohn ContehJohn Conteh is a British former boxer who was world light-heavyweight boxing champion.Conteh is one of Britain's most successful boxing champions. At his peak in the mid to late 1970s he was considered good enough that he was touted as a possible opponent of Muhammad Ali...
, Iwan ThomasIwan ThomasIwan Gwyn Thomas MBE is a sprinter who represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the Olympic Games in the 400 m, and Wales at the Commonwealth Games. Thomas is the current UK record holder at 400 m with a time of 44.36 seconds and is a former European and Commonwealth games champion...
, Roger UttleyRoger UttleyRoger Miles Uttley OBE MA is a former English rugby union player.- Career :He played 23 games for England both in the second row and the back row, 5 times as captain, 4 tests in the Lions back row on the undefeated 1974 tour to South Africa.Roger was born in Blackpool, and played first for...
, Geoff ThomasGeoff ThomasGeoff Thomas born Manchester, England is a former English footballer, who won nine caps for the full England team and captained Crystal Palace to the FA Cup final in 1990...
and David BroomeDavid BroomeDavid McPherson Broome CBE is a retired Welsh show jumping champion.Broome was born in Wales, attended Monmouth School and still maintains his stables at Mount Ballan Manor, Crick, near Chepstow in Monmouthshire...
- who is the only one of the five to have won the award. - Female journalists and broadcasters featuring Edwina CurrieEdwina CurrieEdwina Jonesnée Cohen is a former British Member of Parliament. First elected as a Conservative Party MP in 1983, she was a Junior Health Minister for two years, before resigning in 1988 over the controversy over salmonella in eggs...
, Christine HamiltonChristine HamiltonChristine Hamilton is a British television personality and author, and the wife of former British Member of Parliament Neil Hamilton who was Minister for Corporate Affairs between 1992-1994....
, Lesley JosephLesley JosephLesley D Joseph is an English actress and broadcaster.-Life and career:Joseph was born in Northampton. She is best known for starring in the BBC sitcom Birds of a Feather from 1989–1998, in which she played Dorien Green, the Jewish next-door neighbour of the main characters Sharon and Tracy...
, Suzi PerrySuzi PerrySuzi Perry is an English television presenter, best known for covering MotoGP for the BBC for 13 years and The Gadget Show.-Early life:...
and Amanda HamiltonAmanda HamiltonAmanda Hill is a Scottish businesswoman and television presenter in the area of food and health.She is best known for co-hosting is the presenter and co-producer of UKTV's "The Spa of Embarrassing Illnesses" , "Teen Spa of Embarrassing Illnesses" , and "The Last Resort"... - Voiceover announcers featuring Jon BriggsJon BriggsJon Briggs was educated at Magdalen College School, Oxford. His work spans Radio, TV, Voice-Over, Training and Conferences. He started in radio in 1981 as tea boy and progressed to the breakfast show with BBC Radio Oxford aged 19....
, Mitch JohnsonMitch Johnson (announcer)Mitch Johnson is a British television announcer, voiceover artist and radio presenter.Johnson joined Live & Kicking at the start of series 3 as the voice-over man who lived in the cupboard and was never seen on air. His voice was already well known with listeners to Virgin Radio where he presented...
, Charles NoveCharles NoveCharles Alexis Nove born in London, is a long standing news and continuity voiceover announcer for BBC radio and television. In recent years he has provided holiday relief for BBC Radio 2 and what used to be Saga Radio in Scotland, and following John Marsh's retirement in February 2007 he became...
, Redd PepperRedd PepperRedd Pepper is a voice actor notable for his work providing theatrical trailers for movies such as Amistad, The Blair Witch Project, Men in Black and Boogie Nights. His vocal style is similar to that of Don LaFontaine.Born in Barbados, Pepper moved to London when he was young with his six sisters...
and Steve PuntSteve PuntStephen Punt is a British writer, comedian and actor, best known for his long-time comedy partnership with Hugh Dennis. Punt lives in Wimbledon with his girlfriend and two children.-Life and career:...
From 12 December 2011, the show returned for a fourth series.
The teams are:
- Sporting greats featuring Willie ThorneWillie ThorneWilliam Joseph "Willie" Thorne , is a former English professional snooker player and now a sports commentator.Thorne became national under-16 champion at both snooker and English billiards in 1970...
, Peter ShiltonPeter ShiltonPeter Leslie Shilton OBE is a former English footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He currently holds the record for playing more games for England than anyone else, earning 125 caps....
, Geoff CapesGeoff CapesGeoffrey Lewis Capes is a former athlete, strongman and professional Highland Games competitor...
, Paul NixonPaul NixonPaul Andrew Nixon is an English cricket player who has played for Leicestershire, England, England A, MCC and Kent. He is a wicket-keeper and left-handed batsman...
and Joe EganJoe EganJoe Egan Irish name: Seosamh MacAodhagain is a Scottish singer and songwriter.-Early career:... - Ladies who TwitterTwitterTwitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
featuring Sian LloydSiân LloydSiân Lloyd is a Welsh television presenter, best known as a ITV Weather presenter.-Biography:Lloyd was born in Maesteg, Bridgend, Wales, the daughter of two teachers. She attended Ystalyfera Bilingual School and performed at the Eisteddfod where she won the Crown...
, Annabel GilesAnnabel GilesAnnabel Giles has been a model, a television and radio presenter, an actress, a comedienne and a novellist during her career .-Career:...
, Wincey WillisWincey WillisWincey Willis is a British broadcaster who found television success in the 1980s....
, Jeni BarnettJeni BarnettJeni Barnett is an English actress and TV presenter who grew up in Borehamwood. She is married to Yorkshire-born actor Jim Bywater and has one daughter, Bethany.-Acting career:...
and Sarah GreeneSarah GreeneSarah Greene is a British television personality well known for presenting live TV: long-running series e.g. Blue Peter, from 19 May 1980 until 27 June 1983, Saturday Superstore, Going Live for 10 years and big event/awards shows.- Early life and career :Greene was born in London, England, the... - Former EastEndersEastEndersEastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
actors featuring Shobu KapoorShobu KapoorShobu Kapoor is a British actress.She is most notable for playing the role of Gita Kapoor, the long suffering wife of the market-trader Sanjay , in the popular BBC soap opera, EastEnders ....
, Derek MartinDerek MartinDerek Martin is a British actor who is best known for his role as Charlie Slater in the British soap opera EastEnders which he played from 2000 to 2011.-Personal life:...
, David SpinxDavid SpinxDavid Spinx is an English actor, probably best known for playing Keith Miller in the BBC television soap opera EastEnders since 2004. He has previously appeared in EastEnders as a guest character in an episode in 1999 as the cellmate of Steve Owen and provided the voices on the radios in Barry...
, Carol HarrisonCarol HarrisonCarol Harrison is a British actress and writer. She is known mostly for her work on British television, in particular her role as Louise Raymond in BBC's EastEnders.-Career:...
and Jane HowJane HowJane Onslow How is an English actress with a range of television,film and stage credits. In 1977 she married actor Mark Burns and had a son Jack in 1981... - Reality TV stars featuring Andy AbrahamAndy AbrahamAndrew Abraham is an English singer. He was the runner-up in the second UK series of TV talent show The X Factor in 2005 to Shayne Ward, and also represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008.Before applying for The X Factor, Abraham was a refuse collector...
, Lembit OpikLembit ÖpikLembit Öpik is a British Liberal Democrat politician. He was the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Montgomeryshire in Wales from 1997 until he lost his seat in the 2010 General Election...
, Hannah WatermanHannah WatermanHannah Waterman-Groves is an English actress, daughter of Minder star Dennis Waterman and his second wife, actress Patricia Maynard.-Career:...
, John McCririckJohn McCririckJohn McCririck is an English television horse racing pundit. He is notable not only for his racing opinions but also for his old-fashioned style of dress and mannerisms...
and Yvette FieldingYvette FieldingYvette Fielding is a British broadcaster, producer and actress. She is best known for being the presenter of the TV shows Blue Peter, Most Haunted and Ghosthunting With....-Early life and career:...
Teams who have defeated the Eggheads
On 6 October 2011, Cornish Monkeys became the 70th team to defeat the Eggheads in 887 episodes. So, the BBC have now paid out prize money worth a total of £887,000.| Team name | Episode | Prize money | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unicorn Inn | Series 1, Episode 13 | £13,000 | |
| Folically Challenged | Series 1, Episode 15 | £2,000 | |
| Unlikely Lads | Series 1, Episode 21 | £6,000 | |
| Streatham Massive | Series 2, Episode 16 | £20,000 | |
| Spaghetti | Series 2, Episode 35 | £19,000 | |
| The Rotor Heads | Series 4, Episode 6 | £21,000 | |
| Densa | Series 4, Episode 26 | £20,000 | |
| Wapping Black Sheep | Series 4, Episode 29 | £3,000 | |
| Radio Ga Ga | Series 5, Episode 6 | £17,000 | |
| Second Class | Series 6, Episode 4 | £37,000 | |
| Mancunian Candidates | Series 6, Episode 11 | £7,000 | |
| Russell's Raiders | Series 6, Episode 15 | £4,000 | |
| West Yorkies | Series 7, Episode 19 | £29,000 | |
| Seville Servants | Series 7, Episode 20 | £1,000 | #1 Eggheads lose twice in a row |
| Beer today, Gone tomorrow | Series 8, Episode 14 | £75,000 | Biggest win on the show so far |
| Preston Quizmasters | Series 8, Episode 17 | £3,000 | |
| Museum of London/Museum in Docklands team | Series 8, Episode 50 | £33,000 | |
| Taxidermists | Series 8, Episode 51 | £1,000 | #2 Eggheads lose twice in a row |
| Blue Vibe | Series 8, Episode 63 | £12,000 | |
| Beer and Skittles | Series 8, Episode 68 | £5,000 | |
| Weakly Players | Series 9, Episode 15 | £27,000 | |
| Sean and the Sheep | Series 9, Episode 35 | £20,000 | |
| Tap Heads | Series 9, Episode 48 | £13,000 | |
| The Rat Pack | Series 9, Episode 53 | £5,000 | Eggheads lose to a single opponent for the first time |
| Lads Wot Lunch | Series 9, Episode 65 | £12,000 | |
| South Wales Warriors | Series 9, Episode 70 | £5,000 | |
| Loser's Corner | Series 9, Episode 76 | £6,000 | |
| Meet your Waterloo | Series 9, Episode 83 | £7,000 | #2 Eggheads lose to a single opponent |
| Flexi Funksters | Series 9, Episode 99 | £16,000 | #3 Eggheads lose to a single opponent |
| Cubbington Players | Series 9, Episode 112 | £13,000 | |
| Act One | Series 9, Episode 120 | £8,000 | Final team to play (and defeat) the original set of 5 Eggheads |
| Bere Heads | Series 9, Episode 145 | £25,000 | |
| Abbey Revellers | Series 9, Episode 146 | £1,000 | #3 Eggheads lose twice in a row |
| The Bald and the Beautiful | Series 9, Episode 152 | £6,000 | |
| Eclectic Mix | Series 9, Episode 159 | £7,000 | |
| The Oxford Imps | Series 10, Episode 2 | £3,000 | |
| Chummie Brummies | Series 10, Episode 31 | £29,000 | |
| One Sense Less | Series 10, Episode 54 | £23,000 | Team made up of profoundly deaf contestants |
| The Midweek Marauders | Series 10, Episode 64 | £10,000 | |
| Beached Boys | Series 10, Episode 66 | £2,000 | |
| Sally Warboys | Series 10, Episode 69 | £3,000 | |
| The Hanging Gale | Series 10, Episode 82 | £13,000 | |
| The Cartoonists | Series 10, Episode 91 | £9,000 | The first team with all five challengers to win the final round against a single Egghead (Kevin). |
| Insight Radio | Series 10, Episode 92 | £1,000 | #4 Eggheads lose twice in a row and #4 Eggheads lose to a single opponent |
| Ocean's Five | Series 10, Episode 93 | £1,000 | #1 Eggheads lose three times in a row |
| Bognor Regis + 2 | Series 10, Episode 94 | £1,000 | #1 Eggheads lose four times in a row |
| The Eggitors | Series 10, Episode 98 | £4,000 | |
| Pembroke Globetrotters | Series 10, Episode 115 | £17,000 | |
| PRS Plus | Series 10, Episode 121 | £6,000 | |
| The Wise Owls | Series 11, Episode 3 | £37,000 | The team donated their winnings to the Sussex Wildlife Trust Sussex Wildlife Trust The Sussex Wildlife Trust is a wildlife trust and a registered charity covering the counties of East Sussex and West Sussex, England. The trust's Chief Executive is Tony Whitbread.... |
| Work I.T. Out | Series 11, Episode 5 | £2,000 | |
| Shabba | Series 11, Episode 35 | £30,000 | #5 Eggheads lose to a single opponent |
| The Black & White Stripes | Series 11, Episode 52 | £17,000 | |
| Loiners by Proxy | Series 11, Episode 57 | £5,000 | |
| The Middleton Moonrakers | Series 11, Episode 58 | £1,000 | #7 Eggheads lose twice in a row |
| Scrum 5 | Series 11, Episode 72 | £14,000 | |
| Comedy of Errors | Series 11, Episode 75 | £3,000 | #6 Eggheads lose to a single opponent |
| Glamorgan Poppies | Series 11, Episode 86 | £11,000 | |
| The Apple Turnovers | Series 11, Episode 93 | £7,000 | |
| Get It With Letters | Series 11, Episode 122 | £29,000 | |
| Chessboxers | Series 11, Episode 124 | £2,000 | |
| The Flying Doctors | Series 11, Episode 130 | £6,000 | #7 Eggheads lose to a single opponent |
| Lancashire Hotpots | Series 11, Episode 141 | £11,000 | #8 Eggheads lose to a single opponent |
| Bar 5 | Series 11, Episode 157 | £16,000 | |
| Living by Numbers | Series 12, Episode 6 | £9,000 | |
| Culture Vultures | Series 12, Episode 24 | £18,000 | |
| Who Cares Wins | Series 12, Episode 38 | £14,000 | |
| The Internal Marketeers | Series 12, Episode 63 | £25,000 | |
| Chad Acad | Series 12, Episode 66 | £3,000 | |
| Cornish Monkeys | Series 12, Episode 72 | £6,000 | Team donate money to Wild Futures, primate welfare and conservation charity |
Notable episodes
- On 24 October 2008, The London RollergirlsLondon RollergirlsThe London Rollergirls is an all-women flat track roller derby league and not-for-profit organisation based in London, England. Founded in April 2006, the London Rollergirls is the oldest all-female roller derby league in the United Kingdom...
became the first team ever to win every head-to-head round, giving them a five to one advantage against the sole remaining Egghead, Kevin, in the final General Knowledge round. However, Kevin managed to spare the Eggheads' blushes and won the game by himself. - On 1 December 2008, Act One - the Drama Society from Cardiff University - beat the Eggheads in the final episode before the introduction of a sixth Egghead. The team defeated Kevin and CJ in the final round when the Eggheads failed to identify which London restaurant Tony & Cherie Blair took the Clintons on their visit to the UK in 1997. The following episode was the first to feature "Are You An Egghead" winner, Barry Simmons.
- The same situation that the London RollergirlsLondon RollergirlsThe London Rollergirls is an all-women flat track roller derby league and not-for-profit organisation based in London, England. Founded in April 2006, the London Rollergirls is the oldest all-female roller derby league in the United Kingdom...
faced on 24 October was to happen again on 3 December 2008 when the Eggheads were challenged by The Golf Roses who were administrators of the English Women's Amateur Golf Association. Once again, Kevin came to the rescue of the Eggheads and won the game by himself. - On 27 January 2009, new Egghead Barry was left to take on The Official Retrievers on his own. He again saved the Eggheads' reputation, and the challengers missed out on winning £21,000.
- On 21 April 2009, The Honey Badgers also managed to win every head-to-head round. This time Daphne saved the day for the Eggheads, only needing to answer two questions correctly in the final round, to deny The Honey Badgers £19,000.
- On 11 September 2009, Forty Winks also managed to win every head-to-head round. Barry was left as the sole Egghead remaining in the final round and managed to hold off the challenging team, winning in sudden death.
- On 23 November 2011, The Book Ends also managed to win every head-to head round, leaving Daphne as the sole remaining egghead in the final round, who successfully managed to win the game by herself.
The show has occasionally had well known people on the challenger teams. Multi-World Darts Champion Phil Taylor has appeared, as well as the England Women's Cricket Team, England Women's Squash Team, a team from the stage musical Avenue Q (including Daniel Boys
Daniel Boys
Daniel Boys is a British musical theatre actor, best known as a contestant on the BBC talent series Any Dream Will Do in 2007.-Acting Career:...
), PR consultant Lynne Franks
Lynne Franks
Lynne Franks founded one of the UK’s best-known public relations consultancies in the early 1970s and is currently an advocate, communications strategist, writer and spokeswoman on women’s issues, sustainability and consumer lifestyles....
, entrepreneur Rachel Elnaugh
Rachel Elnaugh
Rachel Elnaugh is a British entrepreneur, who came to prominence as an investor on the first two seasons of BBC Two's TV show Dragons' Den, in which hers was the sole female perspective alongside four male entrepreneurs known as the Dragons.-Early life:Her family lived above her father's...
, Chris Moyles Show quizmaster Rob DJ, and reality TV celebrities such as Eugene Sully and Jade Goody
Jade Goody
Jade Cerisa Lorraine Goody was an English celebrity. She came into the public spotlight while appearing on the third series of the Channel 4 reality TV programme Big Brother in 2002, an appearance which led to her own television programmes and the launch of her own products after her eviction from...
. Former Chelsea and England under 21 footballer David Lee
David Lee (footballer born 1969)
David John Lee is an English former footballer and most recently the caretaker manager of Northampton Town....
appeared on an instalment of series 12, broadcast 25 May 2011.
The British Bee Keepers Association (BBA) are the only team to appear twice. They were invited back to the show after a mistake was made in the Final - on the third multiple choice question to the Eggheads. The question asked was "In 1979, who became the first western rock star to play in the old Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
?" The programme makers believed the correct answer was Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
. Viewers to the show informed them that Cliff Richard
Cliff Richard
Sir Cliff Richard, OBE is a British pop singer, musician, performer, actor, and philanthropist who has sold over an estimated 250 million records worldwide....
had played earlier in 1976. BBA failed to beat the Eggheads on both occasions.
Transmissions
| Series | Start date | End date | Episodes | Host | Landmark | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series | Cumulative | |||||
| 1 | 10 November 2003 | 19 December 2003 | 25 | 25 | Dermot | |
| 2 | 6 September 2004 | 16 November 2004 | 35 | 60 | Dermot | |
| 3 | 23 May 2005 | 5 August 2005 | 15 | 75 | Dermot | |
| 4 | 17 October 2005 | 12 December 2005 | 40 | 115 | Dermot | 100th episode on 22 November 2005 |
| 5 | 10 April 2006 | 6 June 2006 | 40 | 155 | Dermot | |
| 6 | 17 August 2006 | 27 October 2006 | 25 | 180 | Dermot | |
| 7 | 5 March 2007 | 10 September 2007 | 80 | 260 | Dermot | 250th episode on 27 August 2007 |
| 8 | 11 September 2007 | 28 February 2008 | 80 | 340 | Dermot | |
| 9 | 29 February 2008 | 23 March 2009 | 160 | 500 | Dermot (Episodes 1–80) Jeremy (Episodes 81–160) |
Barry's debut on 2 December 2008 500th episode on 23 March 2009 |
| 10 | 24 March 2009 | 26 February 2010 | 155 | 655 | Dermot (Episodes 1–75) Jeremy (Episodes 76–155) |
600th episode on 11 November 2009 |
| 11 | 1 March 2010 | 6 April 2011 | 160 | 815 | Dermot (Episodes 1–80) Jeremy (Episodes 81–160) |
Pat's debut on 1 March 2010 750th episode on 26 October 2010 |
| 12 | 7 April 2011 | tbc (in 2012) | 160 | 975 | Dermot (Episodes 1–80) Jeremy (Episodes 81–160) |