Including Nish Kumar, Lucy Porter, Ria Lina and Rose Matafeo

Comedians Nish Kumar, Lucy Porter, Ria Lina, Rose Matafeo and Sally Phillips have all been named among the next batch of Pointless guest co-hosts.

Also joining Alexander Armstrong on the hit BBC One show will be presenters Andi Oliver, Gyles Brandreth and  and Vick Hope.

Since Richard Osman stepped down last year, his role has been filled with a different celebrity each week, with Alex Brooker and Ed Gamble among them so far.

Kumar said: ‘I can’t wait to sit behind the desk and give out all the clever answers and obscure facts, as if I knew any of them. Richard’s shoes are definitely big ones to fill, but I am looking forward to it very much."

And Porter – who is such a quiz fan she has hosted the Fingers on Buzzers i podcast on the subject with The Chase’s Jenny Ryan – said: ‘I’m delighted to be joining my favourite TV quiz. I loved Pointless first as a viewer, then as a contestant, and now I’m thrilled to be getting a turn in Richard’s seat. I’m hoping they’ll let me have a go at operating the cameras next.

‘I’m looking forward to delivering my favourite catchphrase: "and by country we mean a sovereign state that’s a member of the EU in its own right".’ [Although presumably she means UN, not EU].

Lina added: ‘Having been not only an avid fan playing from home, but also a contestant on Celebrity Pointless, I can't tell you how much it means to me to be able to sit in that hallowed chair and finally have all the answers! I'm especially looking forward to working with Xander and encouraging as many teams as possible to win that Pointless jackpot.’

Matafeo said: ‘I am over the moon to be co-hosting Pointless. As an ardent fan of television quiz shows, this is my Everest. When I first moved to the UK, I had a lot of time on my hands to watch hours of TV, ingratiating myself into British society with the help of insights I would learn from this nightly poll of 100 people. I also did it to make my friends jealous. "

Phillips adds: ‘I am so looking forward to trying Richard Osman’s big shoes on and being the answer police on Pointless. I am certain the power of the Pointless laptop will go to my head, and I will become insufferable, which I am also really looking forward to.’

It has not yet been announced who will be co-hosting in which week, but Armstrong said: ‘It has been a really fun process sharing the hosting with so many different guests.

‘They have all brought their own styles and senses of humour, keeping the show fresh and exciting every time and I can’t wait to welcome more celebrity hosts to the show this year.’

Published: 23 Feb 2023