HE’S POSSIBLY the most knowledgeable man in the country and an ever-present on one of its most popular quiz shows.

But Kevin Ashman didn’t come across as a know-it-all when the 1995 Mastermind champion spoke to a Petersfield audience last week.

The panelist on BBC2 quiz show, Eggheads, took part in an after-hours question and answer session at the library last Wednesday. It was the perfect venue as you’ll probably find him reading or buying books when he’s not appearing on television or taking part in a quiz.

“I’m really happy to do these events because it’s a great cause,” said the 58-year-old from Winchester, who has also won several world and European quizzing championships.

“The main thing for me is that it’s supporting Hampshire Libraries and they need to be supported.”

The event was a sell out with around 40 people in the audience, with questions ranging from his television routine to his choice of shirts. His love for books and libraries also shone according to Nick Morley.

“He inter-acted really well with people and was really good,” said the library assistant, before adding: “It’s one of the best events we’ve done, if not the best.”

Kevin’s love of books and knack for absorbing information – he taught himself to read at the age of three – meant he was destined to become a world quizzer.

He reached the semi-finals of Mastermind in 1987 before victories on Fifteen to One, Sale of the Century and The Great British Quiz followed. He also scored a record 41 points on his triumphant return to Mastermind in 1995 and lifted BBC Radio 4’s Brain of Britain title the following year.

Programmers had taken notice and when Eggheads first appeared on our screens in 2003, Kevin was there on the panel.

He’s not sure of the show’s exact beginnings, but he’s more than happy to be part of the team for as long as they want him.

He said: “There was an article in The Guardian in 2002 where they took a blend of quizzers, including (fellow Egghead) Daphne Fowler to a different quiz every night of the week, and everyone suspects that was the gestation of the idea.

“It’s got a good following and it’s a bit of a banker for the BBC. The show’s 15th anniversary is on November 10.”

There’s also a friendly rivalry with ITV’s The Chase – Kevin thinks he would do ‘OK’ on the show – as the Eggheads regularly come up against ‘The Chasers’ in the London Quiz League and at charity events.

“I think The Chase is a bit more showbizzy than Eggheads, as what you see is what you get with us, but I think it’s a very good show,” added Kevin. “We compete against each other quite often and we’ve done things for charity that haven’t been publicised.”