The celebrity edition of the popular BBC game show Pointless has been shelved for the remainder of 2026, the broadcaster has confirmed. The programme, hosted by Alexander Armstrong and former co-host Richard Osman, will not air this year, though the non-celebrity version remains on BBC One and iPlayer.
Richard Osman broke the news on his podcast, with the BBC later issuing a statement: “Whilst there are currently no plans for any new celebrity editions this year, Pointless remains a much-loved programme for audiences on BBC One and iPlayer.”
Osman stepped down from the regular Pointless three years ago, citing the success of his crime novels. He also recently left his role as host of House of Games on BBC Two after nine years, with actor Michael Sheen taking over later this year.
In a separate development, Osman confirmed he will host a new ITV quiz show titled The Golden Elevators, set to film this autumn. He described the format as “super simple but it takes a lot of skill to win it,” adding that he will present it in a “really interesting, slightly unusual way” with a large prize.
BBC daytime boss Rob Unsworth praised Osman’s contribution to House of Games, stating: “His contribution to its success is impossible to overstate, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his work over the last nine years.”
Alexander Armstrong, Osman’s former co-host, joked about his departure: “Daytime television’s loss is international best-selling crime fiction’s gain. 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.”
