Richard Osman is to step down from presenting the daytime series of Remarkable Entertainment (a Banijay UK company) production Pointless, the BBC has announced.

Richard, who has presented the show alongside Alexander Armstrong since 2009, is stepping back from the daytime series, but he will continue to host future series of Pointless Celebrities as well as hit BBC Two show, Richard Osman’s House of Games (a Remarkable Entertainment production) for Daytime and Early Peak.

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

Richard Osman says: “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 Armstrong adds: “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.”

Tamara Gilder, Creative Director for Remarkable Entertainment, says: “Richard is a huge part of Pointless and his contribution to the show’s success is immeasurable. We’ll be sad to not have him as part of the daytime series, but we are very glad that he’ll still be part of the Pointless family, presenting our celebrity specials, as well as continuing to host House of Games.”

Carla-Maria Lawson, Head of Daytime and Early Peak, adds: “Whilst we will miss his wonderful wit and charm on the Daytime series, we’re delighted that Richard will continue ribbing and riffing with celebrities in the evening schedules as well as continuing to helm the brilliant Richard Osman’s House of Games for BBC Two.”

Series 26 of Pointless, which broadcast in January, had a peak audience of 2.8m viewers, and is BBC One’s No.1 highest rating daytime quiz and game show in 2021 and 2022.