Tributes have paid to a Mancunian star on TV quizshow Eggheads who has died.

David Rainford, known as Dave, from Withington, was one of the resident quizzers on the popular teatime BBC show and earned the nickname 'Tremendous Knowledge.'

A well known character in south Manchester, he said he was even banned from the quiz machines in some pubs such was his skill at quizzing.

His death was confirmed today by the show's host Jeremy Vine amongst others.

Jeremy said on Twitter: "I'm very sad to hear that one of the Eggheads has died. Dave “Tremendous Knowledge” Rainford, famous for being banned from pub quiz machines in Manchester, was the best company after a recording: always fun and sociable.

"I never saw him angry or ungenerous, not once. RIP."

Former teammate on the show CJ de Mooi said: "I’ve just been informed that Dave Rainford (from a certain quiz show we used to appear on together) has died.

"My sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP Dave."

(Image: BBC)

Former BBC entertainment commissioner Sohail Shah said: "So upset to hear the lovely Dave Rainford from #Eggheads has passed away.

"He was a Mancunian legend and did us proud on the show. Such a loss. #RIPDaveRainford"

Former Hacienda DJ and now author Dave Haslam described him as "one of the great Manchester characters, who ruled the pub quizzes at the Old House At Home on Burton Road."

Former M.E.N journalist Simon Binns said: "Ah man. Used to enjoy a beer with Dave in The Red Lion in Withington back in the day. Lovely bloke. RIP x"

Colleagues on rival shows also joined in the chorus of tributes.

The Chase's Paul Sinha said: "Devastated at the loss of my friend, David Rainford. ‘Egghead, great bloke, great friend. We had blindingly good nights out mate. X."

Whilst Anne Hegerty said: "Very sad to learn that Tremendous Knowledge Dave Rainford of #Eggheads has died. One of the nicest people I ever knew. Never a bad word about anyone

It has not been confirmed how or when Dave died.

He had told viewers he was battling illness when they noticed his absence.

(Image: Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser)

He previously told fans on Twitter in September last year: "Brand new Eggheads starting on Monday. I was still recuperating when these programmes were recorded, but I can promise you that there are some great shows coming up with excellent challengers that will keep you on the edge of your seats. Keep watching."

Dave was previously a contestant on the show Are You an Egghead? where quizzers battled for a place on the show.

In 2005 Dave, a former quizmaster at the Old House at Home pub in Withington, won £250,000 on Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

He told the Manchester Evening News afterwards he'd spent over £1,000 on phone calls trying to get onto the show.

He also revealed how his skills had seen him get on the wrong side of some pub landlords.

In an interview with the M.E.N after his 2005 win he said: "I'm quite good on the quiz machines and I was taking lots of money out, sometimes £30 at a time.

"It tended to be pubs in Wigan and Preston, and only a few in Manchester. At one pub in Wigan, where I'd been on a particular winning streak, things turned nasty and I was threatened with physical violence.

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"At another pub in Rawtenstall, the landlord was that fast he would run over to the machine and kick the plug out before I even bought a pint!"

He added: "Most of the landlords have a laugh about it but others must think I'm a real pain in the backside."