Countdown star Susie Dent has been tipped to replace Richard Osman on Pointless.
Fans of the hit BBC quiz show were left devastated this afternoon after it was revealed that the 51-year-old would stepping back from the programme after 13 years.
Richard has hosted the show - whose format he created - alongside friend Alexander Armstrong since 2009, but is keen to focus on his writing career.
And Dictionary Corner legend Susie us currently favourite to take Richard's place at 5/2, following by Alex Horne at 7/2 and Victoria Coren Mitchell at 9/2.
"It looks as though Pointless chiefs will target a rival gameshow in their quest to find Richard Osman's replacement, with Susie Dent and Alex Horne seemingly in a two-horse race for the job as things stand," Alex Apati, of Ladbrokes, said.
"Whoever replaces Osman is sure to have big shoes to fill, and the odds suggest that role might well go to the only man in showbiz taller than the current co-host in the shape of Stephen Merchant."
It has been reported that Richard - who created the show's format - will be replaced by rotating co-hosts.
In the meantime, it is believed that he will continue to host Pointless Celebrities, though it is likely he will also step away from that too.
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.”
A BBC source told The Sun: "Richard has become a staple of the daytime schedule but sadly all good things must come to an end.
“Richard has loved every second of doing the show alongside Xander but he really wants to give his all to his writing career which has been an enormous success."
They said that his departure was "completely amicable" but he doesn't have enough hours in the day to keep presenting the show.
The insider added: "His literary career is going from strength to strength so he’s having to be slightly more choosy with what he does TV-wise."
*Pointless airs weekdays on BBC One
