Richard Osman reveals he ‘didn’t get paid for the first four series of Pointless’

Richard Osman has revealed he wasn’t paid for the first four series of Pointless as the show didn’t get off to a great start. 

The TV personality, 51, who fronted the BBC quiz show with Alexander Armstrong since its 2009 debut, announced he was leaving the role in April. 

In an interview with The Irish Mirror, Richard revealed he started as creative director of the company and hosting was more of a hobby – but quickly learned being on-screen was the key to the show’s success. 

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 did feel like it wasn’t appropriate.

‘Until series four we didn’t have a hit and I was still doing my job. To me [hosting the show] was a fun hobby.’

He continued: ‘But from the second series, me and Xander [Armstrong] were able to talk a bit more and the ratings started picking up. There was something about that relationship, the casualness and gentleness of it, that I think people liked.’

Sad: The TV personality, 51, who fronted the BBC quiz show with Alexander Armstrong since its 2009 debut, announced he was leaving the role in April

 Richard left Pointless after 13 years in the presenting role and explained how ‘something had to give’ amid the success of his writing career.

After The Thursday Murder Club shot to number one in bestselling charts upon its 2020 release, the film adaptation rights were bought by Steven Spielberg. 

He will continue to host future series of Pointless Celebrities as well as hit BBC Two show, Richard Osman’s House of Games.

In episodes to be broadcast later this year Alexander Armstrong will be joined by a roster of guest presenters, which will be confirmed at a later date.

He’s off! Richard, who has fronted the quiz show, since its 2009 debut, 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 give. I will always love Pointless and I will also watch it.’

He said in a statement: ‘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.’ 

The news was reported in The Sun and Richard also shared news of his departure with fans on Twitter, writing: ‘SOME NEWS!

‘After 13 wonderful years I’m leaving daytime Pointless, to concentrate on writing. Will still be doing the celebrity shows and House Of Games. 

‘It has been the GREATEST pleasure and I can’t wait to start watching as a viewer. Thank you to everyone! 

‘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.’

‘#TheThursdayMurderClub has become such a juggernaut around the world I simply couldn’t keep up with my schedule. Delighted I’ll still be involved in Pointless Celebrities though. I will still always be your Pointless friend.’ 

 

He’s off! Richard later announced his departure on Twitter, gushing it had been ‘the greatest pleasure’ to host the show’s daytime version