In the world of television, where moments are fleeting and schedules are rigid, it takes something truly extraordinary to pause time and touch the hearts of millions. On a recent episode of BBC Two’s iconic quiz show Mastermind, Clive Myrie, the esteemed journalist and presenter, did just that. After four years of steering the show with his signature wit, wisdom, and warmth, Myrie used the final two minutes of the broadcast to deliver a deeply personal and moving tribute to his late mother—a gesture that was, for viewers, a fleeting moment, but for him, the culmination of a lifetime of love, gratitude, and reflection.

Clive Myrie, born on August 25, 1964, in Farnworth, Bolton, to Jamaican immigrant parents, has long been a familiar face on British screens. A seasoned journalist with a career spanning over three decades, he has reported from war zones, covered global elections, and anchored BBC’s flagship news programs. Since 2021, he has been the host of Mastermind and Celebrity Mastermind, stepping into the formidable shoes of John Humphrys and bringing his unique blend of authority and empathy to the iconic black chair. But it was this recent episode, aired in September 2025, that revealed a side of Myrie rarely seen on screen—a son pouring his heart out in a tribute that resonated far beyond the studio.

The episode itself was a typical Mastermind affair: contestants faced the relentless spotlight, answering questions on eclectic specialist subjects ranging from literary classics to modern music. Myrie, as always, commanded the stage with his polished delivery and sharp intellect. Yet, as the credits prepared to roll, he paused, his voice softening, and announced that he wanted to share something personal. What followed was a two-minute tribute to his mother, a woman whose sacrifices and strength shaped the man he is today.

Myrie’s mother, a seamstress who once worked for fashion icon Mary Quant, was a cornerstone of his life. She and her husband, Norris, a factory worker, arrived in the UK as part of the Windrush generation in the 1960s, seeking better opportunities but facing significant challenges, including racism and economic hardship. Raising Clive and his siblings in Bolton, she instilled in them a fierce determination to succeed despite the odds. Myrie has often spoken of her resilience, noting in interviews that her support gave him the courage to pursue his dreams, even when they diverged from her hopes for him to follow a traditional profession like law.

In those final moments on air, Myrie spoke of his mother’s unwavering belief in education and hard work. He recounted how she worked tirelessly to provide for her family, sewing late into the night to make ends meet. Her influence, he said, was the foundation of his career—from his early days as a BBC trainee to his global reporting assignments in conflict zones like Iraq and Ukraine. “Everything I am, I owe to her,” he said, his voice steady but laced with emotion. “She taught me that no dream is too big, no obstacle too great, if you carry love and determination in your heart.”

The tribute was not just a reflection on personal loss but a celebration of a woman whose quiet strength mirrored that of countless others in the Windrush generation. Myrie’s words painted a vivid picture of a mother who faced adversity with grace, who taught her children to stand tall in the face of prejudice, and who believed in the power of knowledge—a fitting theme for a show like Mastermind, where intellectual rigor reigns supreme. He spoke of her love for music and culture, her pride in seeing her son on television, and her quiet joy when he took on the Mastermind role, a moment she saw as a validation of his journey.

For viewers, the moment was unexpected and profoundly moving. Social media buzzed with reactions, with many praising Myrie for his vulnerability and authenticity. Fans of the show, accustomed to his composed demeanor, were touched by this glimpse into his personal life. “Clive Myrie just broke my heart in the best way,” one viewer posted. Another wrote, “That tribute wasn’t just for his mum—it was for every parent who sacrifices everything for their kids.” The moment underscored why Myrie has become a beloved figure in British broadcasting: his ability to connect, to humanize, and to bring depth to every role he undertakes.

This was not the first time Myrie has spoken about his family’s influence. In his 2023 memoir, Everything Is Everything: A Memoir of Love, Hate & Hope, he detailed the challenges his parents faced as immigrants and the profound impact they had on his life. His mother’s story, in particular, is a thread that runs through his narrative—a woman who, despite limited means, fostered a home filled with ambition and love. Her work with Mary Quant, a pioneer of 1960s fashion, was a source of pride, but it was her role as a mother that Myrie cherished most. “She was my first editor,” he once joked, recalling how she critiqued his early attempts at reading news headlines as a child.

The Mastermind tribute also highlighted Myrie’s ability to balance his professional and personal identities. Known for his fearless reporting—whether embedded with Royal Marines in Iraq or covering the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine—Myrie has always maintained a calm, measured presence. Yet, his lighter side, seen in appearances on shows like Have I Got News For You and his hosting of BBC Proms, reveals a man who is as approachable as he is authoritative. The tribute to his mother bridged these facets, showing a journalist who is not just a storyteller but a son carrying his family’s legacy forward.

The significance of the moment was amplified by its context. Mastermind, a show celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022, is a British institution, known for its intensity and intellectual rigor. Myrie’s decision to use its platform for such a personal gesture was a bold departure from the show’s usual format, yet it felt entirely fitting. The program, inspired by creator Bill Wright’s experience as a prisoner of war, has always been about resilience under pressure. Myrie’s tribute embodied that spirit, turning the spotlight from the contestants to his own story of overcoming adversity through his mother’s guidance.

As the broadcast ended, Myrie’s final words lingered: “This is for you, Mum. Thank you for everything.” The studio audience, usually reserved, erupted in applause, and viewers at home were left reflecting on their own loved ones. For Myrie, the tribute was more than a moment—it was a lifetime of gratitude condensed into two minutes. It was a reminder of the sacrifices that shape us, the love that sustains us, and the power of a single story to inspire millions.

In a career defined by breaking news and global events, this quiet, heartfelt gesture may well be remembered as one of Clive Myrie’s finest moments. It was a testament to his mother’s legacy, a celebration of family, and a powerful reminder that even in the glare of the Mastermind spotlight, the most profound stories are often the most personal.