Magnusson undergoes emergency surgery
Former Mastermind presenter Magnus Magnusson was in a stable condition today after undergoing emergency abdominal surgery.
The 74-year-old was admitted to Glasgow’s Western Infirmary after being taken ill last week.
His family said in a statement: “Magnus Magnusson was taken seriously ill on Tuesday May 4. He underwent emergency abdominal surgery.
“Since then he has been receiving wonderful medical care in the intensive therapy unit of the Western Infirmary in Glasgow. His family have stayed close to him at all times.”
Magnusson was born in Iceland in 1929 and now lives in Balmore, Dunbartonshire.
He moved to Scotland at an early age and went on to make the country his home.
After studying English at Jesus College, Oxford, Magnusson went on to launch his journalistic career at the Scottish Daily Express and then the Scotsman.
A veteran BBC presenter, Magnusson coined the catchphrase “I’ve started so I’ll finish” on the quiz show Mastermind which he presented for 25 years.
First recorded in 1972, the show became known for its menacing theme music and intimidating black leather contestant’s chair.
At the height of its popularity, around 22 million viewers tuned in to watch contestants answer questions on obscure specialist subjects and general knowledge.
Magnusson was awarded an honorary knighthood in 1989. He has served as Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University since 2002.
A prolific author and noted expert on the Vikings, Magnusson founded and presented the BBC archaeology programme Chronicle from 1966 to 1980. He made numerous other BBC radio and television programmes.
