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Richard Osman reveals he was ‘not paid for the first four series of Pointless’ because the BBC quiz show was originally unsuccessful
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Richard Osman has revealed that he didn’t think it was “appropriate” to be paid for the first four series of Pointless, as the show didn’t get off to a good start.
The 51-year-old TV personality, who co-hosted the BBC quiz show with Alexander Armstrong since its debut in 2009, announced he would be leaving the role in April.
In an interview with The Irish MirrorRichard revealed that he started out as the creative director of the company and that hosting was more of a hobby – but soon learned that being on screen was key to the show’s success.
Surprising: Richard Osman has revealed he hasn’t been paid for the first four series of Pointless because the show didn’t get off to a good start
He told the publication: “I didn’t get paid for the first four series or so of Pointless because I was the creative director of the company and I felt it wasn’t appropriate.
‘We didn’t have a hit until series four and I was still doing my job, for me’ [hosting the show] was a fun hobby.’
He continued: ‘But from the second series, me and Xander [Armstrong] were able to talk a little more and the ratings started to climb. There was something about that relationship, the casualness and gentleness of it, that I think people liked.’
Sad: The 51-year-old TV personality, who co-hosted the BBC quiz show with Alexander Armstrong since its 2009 debut, announced he would be leaving the role in April
Richard left Pointless after 13 years in the presenter role, explaining how to ‘have to give’ amid the success of his writing career.
After The Thursday Murder Club hit number one on the best-selling charts upon its release in 2020, the filming rights were bought by Steven Spielberg.
He will continue to host future series of Pointless Celebrities, as well as the hit BBC Two show, Richard Osman’s House of Games.
In episodes to air later this year, Alexander Armstrong will be joined by a roster of guest hosts, to be confirmed at a later date.
He’s off! Richard, who has run the quiz show since its debut in 2009, left to focus on his writing career (pictured with his book The Thursday Murder Club)
Richard said, “With the runaway success of the books around the world, something had to be done. I will always love Pointless and I will watch it too.”
He said in a statement: “Pointless was a joy from start to finish, working with my friend Alexander Armstrong, backed by the most amazing team, and for the best viewers in the world.
“I will miss everyone very much, but I am very happy that I will still be hosting the celebrity shows. I can’t thank everyone enough for twelve great years.’
Alexander added: ‘The loss of daytime television is the gain of international best-selling crime novels. I say that as if it’s any consolation – I’m going to miss the big man next to me from Monday to Friday.
“But at least I still get it on the weekend – and during the week if you watch Challenge.”
The news was reported in The sun and Richard also shared the news of his departure with fans on Twitter, writing: ‘JUST NEWS!
“After 13 wonderful years, I am leaving Daytime Pointless to focus on writing. Will still do the celebrity shows and House Of Games.
“It was the BIGGEST fun and I can’t wait to watch as a viewer. Thanks everyone!
“I will miss the whole team, especially the incomparable @XanderArmstrong. Thanks to everyone watching, it’s really been a dream and I know the show will continue to get stronger.”
“#TheThursdayMurderClub has become such a powerhouse around the world that I just couldn’t keep up with my schedule. Glad I’m still involved with Pointless Celebrities. I will still always be your Pointless friend.’
He’s off! Richard later announced his departure on Twitter, saying it had been “the greatest pleasure” to host the daytime version of the show