BBC bosses have announced who will replace host Richard Osman on hit TV quiz show Pointless.
The presenter said he was to step down last month, after 13 years at the helm of the show. He said he will continue to host Pointless Celebrities as well as his BBC Two show, Richard Osman's House of Games.
Initially those who will cover as special guests hosts include Sally Lindsay, Alex Brooker, Lauren Laverne, Stephen Mangan, Konnie Huq and Ed Gamble have all been confirmed, Chronicle Live reports. Osman announced his departure amid issues juggling his TV commitments with writing his successful Thursday Murder Club series of crime novels.
READ MORE: Emmerdale's Mark Charnock says goodbye to ITV co star after 19 years
Osman is introduced in every episode as Alexander Armstrong's "Pointless friend". He sits at a desk behind a laptop and his role is to provide additional data and trivia about the correct answers.
Armstrong said: “This is going to be such a ride! Richard will still be in once a week on Saturdays to make sure everything’s ticking over nicely, but otherwise it’s just me bringing new Pointless friends in and showing them the ropes. Loads of new and fun personalities on the desk next to me. I can’t wait.”
Ex Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq said: “Really looking forward to sitting at the esteemed Pointless computer and sharing my pearls of wisdom on the show! Can’t wait to get cracking, gonna go revise now!” Alex added: “When you think of Richard Osman on Pointless, you think of his charm, wit and intelligence. I’m so proud to think the show have decided to go completely the opposite way with me! I’m so excited to be a part of such a brilliant show and can’t wait to work with Xander.” Sally commented: “As everyone knows I LOVE a game show and being asked to sit in Richard Osman’s hallowed chair is beyond thrilling! Can’t wait to be Pointless.” Stephen added: “I am incredibly excited to be joining my old friend Xander on such an iconic show. What could possibly go wrong...?”
Lauren said: “It’s an honour and a thrill to be joining the Pointless team and to go from playing along at home to celebrating (and commiserating) with the brave contestants who take on the search for obscure and delightful nuggets of knowledge!”
Ed said: “I’m presuming someone else has made the joke about having big shoes to fill but I want everyone to know I thought of it as well. I’m over the moon to have a go at co-hosting one of my favourite TV shows ever and I can’t wait to show everyone my impeccable general knowledge (providing I have full access to the internet at all times).”
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