TV

Viewers in tears as Mastermind finalist appears on BBC quiz just hours after his funeral

He had insisted the show must go on

A posthumous TV appearance from Mastermind contestant Hamish Cameron left viewers feeling very emotional last night (June 14), coming just hours after his funeral.

The late 72-year-old passed away mere months after taking part in filming for the BBC quiz last November.

It is believed the retired IT manager was diagnosed with cancer last December and died last week.

However, despite his illness, Mr Cameron is reported to have told his family he wanted the grand final of the series to be aired on TV even if he had passed away before it was broadcast.

RIP Hamish Cameron (Credit: BBC)

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The Scottish quiz standout, who finished fourth in a very tight last stage of the competition, also received an on-screen tribute from the show after the credits had rolled.

It is believed to have been his second appearance in the Mastermind final, having sat in the famous black chair a record 17 times.

His son Niall is reported to said before the broadcast that Mr Cameron would have wanted his last contributions to the show to be seen on telly.

He said to MailOnline: “It will be tough to watch, but Hamish wouldn’t want us to be sad, but to find the positives.”

It is believed he appeared on Mastermind on 17 occasions (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

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A Twitter user who said he was Hamish’s nephew also noted on social media yesterday evening: “Today we laid my Uncle Hamish to rest and on BB2 now my uncle is in the final of Mastermind.

“My uncle said after filming the final ‘If I am not here, make sure the programme still goes out’.”

Moved viewers were quick to post their thoughts about Mr Cameron, with many tearful over the loss.

“I’d not heard of your uncle until this evening, but I’m in tears watching this. Blessings to you and your family,” revealed one.

Mastermind’s tribute to Hamish (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

“Watching just now, sorry for your loss 😢,” tweeted another observer.

Another viewer commented: “Sorry to hear the news today, didn’t realise he was your uncle, condolences 😢.”

And another person who apparently had spent some time quizzing with Mr Cameron added: “Hamish was an absolute gent to the last.

“I met him at my first national quiz event back in 2006 and he couldn’t have been nicer. He will be missed by many.”

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer

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