Osman to cut down on Pointless duties to concentrate on writing
RICHARD OSMAN is stepping back from Pointless after nearly 13 years on the show to concentrate on writing.
The presenter and novelist, 51, will continue to co-host Pointless Celebrities as well as his BBC Two show, Richard Osman’s House of Games.
In a tweet, Osman said he was leaving the programme “to concentrate on writing” and expressed his excitement at getting to watch the show “as a viewer”.
Osman’s debut novel, The Thursday Murder Club, was published in September 2020 and became a bestseller. Its global film rights were later bought by Steven Spielberg’s production company Amblin Entertainment. A sequel, The Man Who Died Twice, arrived in September.
Osman has co-hosted the BBC One gameshow alongside Alexander Armstrong since it debuted in 2009. He was not originally
intended to be co-presenter but after filling the role as part of a demonstration laid on for the BBC, executives asked him to continue for the first series.
Osman said: “Pointless has been a joy from start to finish, working alongside my friend Alexander Armstrong, backed by the most wonderful team, and for the best viewers in the world. I will miss everyone so much, but I’m thrilled that I’ll still be presenting the celebrity shows.”
He added: “Thank you to everyone who watches, it really has been a dream, and I know the show will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Osman has filmed more than 1,300 episodes and nearly 30 series.
Armstrong added: “Daytime television’s loss is international best-selling crime fiction’s gain.”
In the immediate future, Armstrong will be joined by a roster of guest presenters. Among those tipped to be permanent co-host are Suzie Dent, Alex Horne and Victoria Coren Mitchell.
Tamara Gilder, creative director for producers Remarkable Entertainment, said: “Richard is a huge part of Pointless and his contribution to the show’s success is immeasurable.”