Richard Osman has revealed how his lifelong nystagmus condition affects his work behind the scenes of BBC shows, leaving him to view the world through a "dense fog."
The presenter, known for creating and hosting BBC's Pointless, has the incurable eye condition, which causes constant involuntary eye movement and blurred vision. The condition has made certain aspects of working in front of the camera a considerable challenge.
Fans concerned after debut appearance
When Osman recently made his debut appearance on BBC's Have I Got News For You, some viewers incorrectly assumed he might have been intoxicated because his eyes continuously darted back and forth. His eye movements were in fact caused by the health condition.
Unable to read an autocue, Osman has to memorise his script instead. He previously told disability access charity Level Playing Field: "I also find looking directly at the camera pretty difficult. Staring at a fixed point when your eyes are constantly moving can make you feel nauseous, and you want to look away."
He added: "I prefer my head and body to be off-centre, like in Pointless."
Vision as a 'superpower' in editing
While his impaired vision can prove challenging, Osman has also described it as something of a superpower in his television career. "When I am editing a TV programme, there is no point asking me about a certain camera angle or the lighting. I can't really see it," he said. "I want to talk about the feel of the show."
He continued: "I've found that while everyone else is thinking about what the set looks like, I am thinking, hold on, that joke did not work or that relationship between those two people is not where it should be, and that is all I am focusing on, which is a useful skill."
Childhood encouragement and career path
The condition has made driving a car impossible, yet Osman's mother, Brenda, encouraged him to believe he could accomplish whatever he pursued. As a child, she allowed him to sit unusually close to the television, understanding that it would enable him to absorb details he might otherwise overlook in everyday life.
That lasting relationship with TV formed the foundation of Osman's career. He subsequently produced programmes including Prize Island for ITV and Deal or No Deal for Channel 4, before moving in front of the camera for another of his own creations, BBC's Pointless.
Osman has also become a recognisable presence on programmes such as Would I Lie to You?, QI, Have I Got News for You and Taskmaster, while establishing a second career as a novelist with The Thursday Murder Club.
