Richard Osman: Beloved TV personality or a magnet for controversy? From authors who feel ‘sick’ at his sight to fellow celebrities caught in his crosshairs, his rise hasn’t been without drama. Dive into the surprising feuds and unexpected rivalries that have defined his journey. What’s your take on these celebrity clashes?
Richard Osman’s meteoric ascent from beloved television personality to best-selling author has, perhaps inevitably, cultivated a surprising landscape of celebrity feuds and professional rivalries within the entertainment industry. While his wit and charm have endeared him to millions, his journey to the top has also left a trail of disgruntled stars, prompting both public commentary and private grievances from those who feel his success is perhaps too pervasive.
Among the most outspoken critics is renowned crime novelist Lynda La Plante, who, at 82, did not mince words when discussing Osman. Appearing on a talk show, La Plante sensationally pretended to vomit at the mere mention of his name, asserting that her biggest competitor wasn’t just “everybody” but specifically Osman, underscoring a deep-seated professional animosity.
La Plante’s scathing critique centered on Osman’s ubiquitous presence across various television programs. She argued that his constant visibility was the primary driver behind his books consistently topping the charts, lamenting that “if you’re on TV every 10 minutes, your public will buy you.” This, she suggested, unfairly disadvantages other writers who lack such widespread media exposure, making it crucial for them to secure appearances on shows to reach their readership.
Interestingly, not all rivalries are acrimonious. Fellow presenter and friend Alexander Armstrong also described a competitive dynamic with Osman, particularly when their new books, Armstrong’s children’s fantasy “Evenfall – The Golden Linnet” and Osman’s “We Solve Murders,” shared a release date. Despite the potential for a head-to-head sales battle, Armstrong emphasized Osman’s unwavering support throughout his latest literary endeavor, highlighting a complex friendship beneath the surface of competition.
However, Osman himself is no stranger to voicing his own issues within the industry. He controversially labeled Ant and Dec’s short-lived game show “Red or Black?” a “car crash.” The high-stakes program, which aired for only 14 episodes between 2011 and 2012, offered contestants a chance to win up to a million pounds by simply guessing red or black outcomes.
Osman elaborated on his podcast, “The Rest is Entertainment,” explaining why the show ultimately failed. He noted that in the wake of “Deal or No Deal’s” success, there was a brief, chaotic period in television where channels believed audiences were simply “happy to watch people being lucky.” He implied that “Red or Black?” exemplified this misinterpretation, failing to capture the sustained engagement of its predecessors.
In a more awkward encounter, “Death in Paradise” creator Robert Thorogood extended an apology to Osman at a party after realizing the striking similarities between their respective novels. Thorogood recounted the incident on the “Binge Podcast,” expressing his mortification at the unintentional parallels and illustrating the sometimes-uncomfortable coincidences that can arise within the publishing world.
Beyond personal feuds, Osman has also used his platform to highlight broader industry issues. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he criticized the television industry’s perceived snobbery towards daytime programming. He argued that despite their strong ratings and popularity, shows like “Bridge of Lies” and “Homes Under the Hammer” receive inadequate recognition, a “kick in the teeth” for their producers, and questioned the point of specific categories if popular shows are overlooked.
