BBC star says he could cost The Wheel 'millions' after breaking strict rule on the show

Richard Osman admitted on his hit podcast this week that he may have cost BBC’s The Wheel ‘millions’ as he broke one of their cardinal rules.

While speaking with his The Rest is Entertainment co-host Marina Hyde, the former Pointless host admitted that when he was on The Wheel he was told not to do one important thing: whatever you do, do not sing along to the theme song.

However the 53-year-old confessed that he simply could not help himself, as composer Paul Farrer did such a good job composing the show’s theme that he found himself singing along anyway.

Richard Osman in a black jumper

On his podcast, Osman said: "The one thing they said was, 'Don't sing along with the lyrics of the songs when you go round because they can't use it if you're mouthing the lyrics'. I mouthed along to every single one, I'm not sure if they can use it, I absolutely couldn't help myself."

Osman explained that in order for the show’s editors to put the show together they have to use several different takes. If someone is singing in one clip and not the next, it makes it very difficult for them to put a coherent show in order.

Richard Osman in a grey suit with a blue background

He added: "It would literally cost them millions, but it was really a lovely experience."

Osman went on to praise Michael McIntyre, the host of The Wheel, for the energy that he brings to the show. He called his hosting style a “masterclass” in how to run a gameshow.

He continued to spill the beans on his time on the show, saying that an unnamed celebrity got so unwell on the Wheel that they could no longer participate, and they had to bring on another contestant at the very last minute to take their place.

Marina Hyde in a red pattered dress holding a microphone

He said this is the second time in the show’s history that a contestant has struggled with motion sickness to the point that they could no longer carry on with filming.

Osman said the sickness set in before the official show even began. This is because prior to the main filming event they film close-ups on contestants spinning on The Wheel to use as extra filler in the edit. However these close-ups made this anonymous celebrity so sick they never even made it to the main portion of the show.

The crime author said he was fortunate enough to skip that first section of filming because of other obligations, so he avoided the same fate. Now he is just left hoping they can use any footage of him at all where he is not gleefully singing along to the theme tune.