Tuesday was the first time in 12 years that fans of Pointless sat down to watch their favourite quiz show without the familiar face of Richard Osman at the helm. The 51-year bespectacled brainbox has been a constant feature on the hit BBC One series since its debut in summer 2009.
But in April this year Osman revealed that he would be quitting to concentrate more on his career as a successful novelist. It was also announced that for the programme's latest series Alexander Armstrong's long-running co-host would be replaced by former Coronation Street actress Sally Lindsay.
"So exciting, so surreal – does it feel like cheating a bit?" the 49-year-old Mancunian asked Armstrong after he'd introduced her to the folks at home as his new onscreen partner. "It does feels a bit naughty, yes," he replied.
Even Osman himself was feeling enthused about the new combo, taking to Twitter to comment: "So excited about watching this. The first time I've ever been able to watch Pointless and actually play along without knowing the answers already."
Many fans were less impressed, however. "Nah… this is all wrong. I like Sally Lindsay but she’s not a suitable replacement for Richard Osman," tweeted one.
"Richard Osman always gave the appearance that he knew the information he was giving, Sally Lindsay is clearly just reading from a laptop," added another. Meanwhile some had less than fond memories of her guest presenting stint over on ITV when she temporarily stepped in for Warwick Davis on the channel's teatime quiz Tenable.
"Tenable went downhill after she joined, please don't ruin Pointless for us too," moaned a disgruntled viewer. Another agreed, griping: "The show now matches its title, another own goal by the Beeb – chemistry between old friends Osman and Armstrong lost forever."
Nevertheless the haters can console themselves with the knowledge that Osman will continue to appear behind the desk on Pointless' celebrity specials. He'll also have his ongoing hosting gig on House of Games over on BBC Two.
In addition Pointless' new run will also feature four other guest co-hosts who'll pop up on a rotating basis. They are DJ Lauren Laverne, comedian Alex Brooker, ex-Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, and actor Stephen Mangan.
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