Armstrong and Osman clash in book charts battle

Alexander Armstrong, the presenter of 'Pointless', is set to release his debut children's book, 'Evenfall- The Golden Linnet', aimed at children aged 9-12. This book features themes of adventure, ancient magic, and secret societies. Armstrong's book launch coincides with the release of 'We Solve Murders', the first novel in a new series by his former co-star Richard Osman, creating a competitive atmosphere in the book charts. Both books are scheduled to be released on the same day, which has raised eyebrows regarding the timing. During an appearance on ITV's Lorraine, Armstrong expressed his thoughts on the simultaneous releases, acknowledging the support he has received from Osman throughout his career. He described Osman as a guiding light and a source of help as he ventured into writing. Their friendship, which blossomed during their time on 'Pointless', has remained strong despite Osman's departure from the show in 2022 after 12 years. Osman’s exit from 'Pointless' was influenced by the success of his previous crime novels, which have garnered significant acclaim and even attracted interest from Hollywood, with film rights being purchased by Steven Spielberg’s production company. This success has allowed Osman to focus on his writing career, leading to the launch of his new series. The simultaneous release of both authors' books highlights the competitive nature of the literary world, especially among those with shared histories. As they both embark on this new chapter, it remains to be seen how their respective works will perform in the charts and how their friendship will evolve amidst this competition.