Richard Osman is stepping back from Pointless after nearly 13 years on the show, the BBC has announced.
The presenter and novelist has co-hosted the BBC One gameshow alongside Alexander Armstrong since it debuted in 2009. He will continue to host Pointless Celebrities as well as his BBC Two show, Richard Osman's House of Games.
In a statement released by the BBC, Richard 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. I can't thank everyone enough for twelve amazing years."
READ MORE: Dan Walker breaks silence on BBC Breakfast as he says he's not 'motivated by money'
Co-host and friend, Alexander Armstrong said: “Daytime television’s loss is international best-selling crime fiction’s gain. I say that like it’s a consolation - I’m going to miss the big man next to me Monday to Friday. But at least I still get him at weekends - and weekdays if you’re watching on Challenge.”
In episodes to be broadcast later this year Alexander Armstrong will be joined by a roster of guest presenters. Details of these guest hosts will be confirmed at a later date. Richard has filmed more than 1,300 episodes and nearly 30 series of the BBZ quiz show.
His 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.
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
