Richard Osman reveals he's leaving Pointless after 13 years
He's released a statement
Last updated 8th Apr 2022
Along with ITV game show The Chase, BBC's Pointless is one of the longest-running tea time quiz shows, mainly thanks to its hosts Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman.
However, after 13 amazing years on the hit show, quiz master Richard has announced he's sadly leaving to concentrate on writing.
Taking to Twitter on Friday 8th April, Richard told fans: 'After 13 wonderful years I'm leaving daytime Pointless, to concentrate on writing. Will still be doing the celebrity shows and 'HouseOfGames'. It has been the GREATEST pleasure and I can't wait to start watching as a viewer. Thank you to everyone! ❤️
'Am very, very, very touched by all of your replies, thank you. ❤️'. (sic)
51-year-old Richard went on to add: 'Will miss the whole team, especially the incomparable @XanderArmstrong. 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.' (sic)
The BBC have now confirmed Alexander Armstrong will be joined by a number of guest presenters for episodes later in the year, but these names are yet to be revealed.
In a statement, Richard said of his departure: “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.”
Alexander added: “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.”
Both Richard and Alexander have hosted the popular quiz show since 2009, and in 2021 and 2022, Pointless was BBC One’s number one highest rating daytime quiz and game show.
Check out all of the TV shows you can apply to be on:
Apply to be on The Traitors
Although applications for series three closed in March this year, BBC bosses have now renewed the hit show for a fourth series, and applications are now open! Filming is due to begin in 2025.
Apply for The Traitors right here.
Closing date: 9th February 2025
Bullseye
ITV/STV bosses have rebooted classic gameshow Bullseye for a one-off special this Christmas, and now they are on the hunt for contestants. You must apply in pairs, as teams need a 'thrower and a knower'.
You can apply to be on Bullseye right here.
Applications close Friday 1st November.
Apply to be on Bake Off
With the 2024 series airing every Tuesday night, bosses are on the hunt for aspiring bakers to take part in the 2025 series of The Great British Bake Off.
Apply for Bake Off right here.
Applications close on 9th December 2024.
Apply to be on MAFS UK
Although the 2024 series hasn't aired yet, bosses are on the lookout for singletons to apply for the 2025 series of MAFS UK! If you are currently single and fancy marrying a stranger, this one could be for you!
Apply to be on MAFS UK right here.
Closing date: 1st February 2025.
Apply to be on My Mum, Your Dad
Applications for ITV/STV dating show My Mum, Your Dad are now open! Grown-up children are being encouraged to nominate their single parents for the show, which is hosted by Davina McCall. Although there's been no official confirmation of a third series just yet, you can register your interest now.
You can apply for My Mum, Your Dad right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Love Island
Bosses are on the lookout for applicants for the 2025 series of Love Island.
Apply for Love Island right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Come Dine With Me
Come Dine With Me bosses are now on the hunt for new contestants to appear on the upcoming new series, with the winning dinner party host in with a shout of winning the ÂŁ1,000 prize money!
Apply to be on Come Dine With Me right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Dragons' Den
BBC bosses have confirmed Dragons' Den will return for a 22nd series next year, with applications now open! If you have a business or business idea that's looking for investment, this one is for you!
Apply to be on Dragons' Den right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on The Repair Shop
The BBC are looking for applicants for the upcoming series of hit show The Repair Shop. If you have a treasured item that's seen better days and you think the experts can help, get applying!
Apply for The Repair Shop now.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Countdown
Channel 4 are on the lookout for brain box contestants to appear on game show Countdown.
Apply to be on Countdown right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on The Chase
Bosses are on the hunt for contestant for series 15 of The Chase, with filming due to take place later in 2023.
Apply to be on The Chase right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on The Apprentice
Following the series 18 final in April 2024, bosses opened up applications for the 20th series of the show, which is expected to air in 2026.
Apply to be on The Apprentice right here.
Closing date: 1st December 2024.
Apply to be on Four In A Bed
If you're a hotel or B&B owner and you're interested in taking part in hit Channel 4 show Four In A Bed, applications are now open!
Apply to be on Four In A Bed right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Sort Your Life Out
Although series five of Stacey Solomon's Sort Your Life Out hasn't aired yet, it looks like the show will be back for a sixth series, as bosses are urging applicants to register their interest online.
Apply to be on Sort Your Life Out here.
Closing date: Unknown
DIY SOS
DIY SOS is returning to BBC and Nick Knowles is on the hunt for applicants. If you want to nominate a family, or apply for yourself, you can register online now.
Apply to be on DIY SOS right here.
Closing date: 19th December 2025.
Apply to be on Love Is Blind: UK
Following a successful first series, Netflix confirmed in August that Love Is Blind: UK has been renewed for a second series which will air in 2025.
Apply to be on Love Is Blind: UK right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star
If you are an aspiring make-up artist with a creative eye and artistic flair, BBC bosses want you to apply for the next series of Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star.
Apply to be on Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star right here.
Closing date: 27 October 2024
It's not all bad news, as Richard will still appear on the celebrity editions of Pointless.
Pointless continues every weekday on BBC One at 5pm.
Now read:
All of the TV shows we can’t wait to return
ITV confirm Trigger Point will return for series 2
The best comfort TV boxsets to binge watch right now