Author and broadcaster Richard Osman was honoured with an OBE for services to literature and broadcasting at a ceremony held at Windsor Castle. The former co-host of the BBC quiz show Pointless received the award from Princess Anne, also known as the Princess Royal, alongside several other notable figures.
Richard Osman recognised for contributions to literature and broadcasting
Richard Osman, known for his best-selling Thursday Murder Club novels and his work on television, was among those named in the King’s New Year Honours list. After co-hosting Pointless for 13 years, Osman transitioned into writing fiction, launching a popular crime mystery series in 2020. The series follows a group of pensioners in a Kent village who solve murders, and it was adapted into a Netflix film starring Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan.
Osman spoke with the Press Association after the ceremony, expressing pride in his British heritage and the opportunities the country provided him. He said he had “a nice chat” with Princess Anne about writing and quizzing and emphasized his intention to give back to the country that shaped his career.
In March, it was announced that actor Michael Sheen would succeed Osman as the presenter of the BBC Two quiz show House of Games.
Other honours awarded at Windsor Castle
- Bill Bailey, comedian and musician, was made an MBE for services to entertainment. Bailey, who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, has had a long career in comedy and television, including his own BBC show and appearances on popular panel shows.
- Marcus Wareing, celebrity chef and restaurateur, received an MBE for services to the culinary arts and broadcasting. Wareing began his career at the Savoy and has been a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals. He also served a custard tart to Queen Elizabeth II during her 80th birthday celebrations.
- Toby Roberts, Olympic rock climbing champion who won gold in the boulder and lead events at Paris 2024, was also honoured with an MBE.