Richard Osman confirmed his departure from Pointless earlier this year, having co-presented the hit programme with university friend Alexander Armstrong for 13 years.
The 51-year-old also created the BBC gameshow after enjoying a successful career as an executive producer, working on series such as Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Total Wipeout and 24 Hour Quiz.
Richard is waving goodbye to the juggernaut show after filming more than 1,300 episodes and nearly 30 series.
He wrapped up his time on Pointless back in July, paying an emotional tribute to ‘lovely’ Alexander, 52, and their friendship.
Speaking about working with the Danger Mouse star, Richard said: ‘I was just doing an interview, and they always ask about Pointless at the end of it, and they always say, “How is Pointless?” and they say, “What’s Xander like?” And I always say how lovely you are.
‘And it occurred to me I don’t tell you in person often enough. So I just want to say how lucky I am to work with you.’
The first episode without the show’s iconic host will run this evening, with Corrie star Sally Lindsay set to fill Richard’s boots this week.
Why did Richard Osman leave Pointless?
The broadcaster announced his exit from Pointless in April after speculating was mounting he was on the verge of quitting to focus on being author.
In a statement, Richard said: ‘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.’
While presenting Pointless, Richard penned crime novels The Thursday Murder Club and its follow-up The Man Who Died Twice.
A storming success, both books topped the Sunday Times best-seller list for fiction, with Steven Speilberg snapping up the film rights to Richard’s debut book.
Richard later clarified on Twitter the decision to leave Pointless was because the books had ‘become such a juggernaut around the world I simply couldn’t keep up with my schedule.’
Who is replacing Richard Osman on Pointless?
Richard will continue to appear in the celebrity spin-off series, so his Pointless career isn’t fully over.
So far, the BBC has not confirmed a permanent replacement and instead a rolling rotation of six guest hosts will step into Richard’s shoes.
Among the names are Sally, ex-Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq and TV presenter Lauren Laverne.
Comedians Alex Brooker, Ed Gamble, and The Split star Stephen Mangan will also take it in turns to co-host alongside Alexander.
Pointless airs tonight at 5.15pm on BBC One
