Pointless Celebrities shelved for 2026
The BBC has decided to stop making Pointless Celebrities for 2026, but the civilian version will continue to air as normal.
Pointless Celebrities has been shelved for the year.
The star-studded version of the BBC quiz show, co-hosted by Alexander Armstrong, 56, and Richard Osman, 55, will be taking a break, but its civilian counterpart will continue to air as normal.
A BBC spokesperson told TV Zone: "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."
Richard revealed its pause on his podcast - adding the comment "RIP".
Alexander and Richard fronted Pointless Celebrities, in which contestants try to come up with the most obscure answers.
The pair also presented the civilian version of the game show, but Richard quit in 2022 after 13 years.
In a statement at the time, 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 12 amazing years."
Alexander did not get a new permanent co-host after the departure of Richard, who sat at a desk behind a laptop and provided additional data and trivia about the correct answers given by the contestants.
Instead, Richard's "hot seat" was filled by a raft of celebrity guest hosts.
In March, he left his BBC Two game show, House of Games, after nine years.
Richard said on his and 52-year-old journalist Marina Hyde's The Rest is Entertainment podcast: "It will no longer be Richard Osman's House of Games. It will be somebody else's House of Games.
"And I gladly hand over the keys."
Actor Michael Sheen, 57, is taking over as host, presiding over 100 episodes that will air later this year.
And he cannot wait to front the programme, in which four celebrity contestants battle it out over general knowledge questions, with one of them being crowned the winner in Friday's episode.
He said: "Quite literally very large shoes to fill, but as a huge fan of the show, I’m incredibly excited to be able to move into the House and at long last see my silhouette on a fondue set."
