Richard Osman has offered devastated Pointless viewers a glimmer of hope that he might one day return to the show, after he announced he was quitting after 13 years.
Just as scores of ITV viewers tune into The Chase at teatime every day, BBC viewers settle down to Pointless at the same time every week day, with the quiz programme proving to be a long running hit for the channel. What makes Pointless work so well is the chemistry between Richard and host Alexander Armstrong.
While Alexander presents the show and speaks to the contestants, Richard has the key role of revealing all the pointless answers, as well as adding some amusing anecdotes every day. So there was upset on social media on Friday afternoon, when he revealed he was leaving Pointless.
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Taking to Twitter, Richard posted: 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.”
And it’s the fact that Richard revealed he will still be doing Pointless Celebrities that had many fans breathing a sigh of relief, while also leaving them hopeful that he might one day make a u-turn on his decision to leave the main show.
Other viewers have already started speculating who might replace Richard on Pointless. One tweeted: “Richard Osman's replacement on Pointless should be either Sandi Toksvig, Tom from McFly, or Luis Guzman. I will not entertain any other possibilities.”
On Friday evening the BBC confirmed that rather than Richard getting a permanent replacement, a roster of guest presenters will be brought in to join Alexander.