Richard Osman caused controversy when he broke a huge rule on the BBC One show The Wheel. The 53-year-old presenter and author is set to appear on Saturday’s episode of the hit game show, hosted by Michael McIntyre, but the lofty TV star claimed he had gone against a request by producers while filming. During an episode of his podcast Rest Is Entertainment, he recalled to his co-host Marina Hyde that he was advised by producers not to “sing along” to the lyrics of songs featured during the episode.
Music is played when the wheel in the studio, which features celebrity ‘experts’ sitting around the huge circle assisting a series of contestants in answering questions to win huge cash prizes, is spun. Sometimes The Wheel’s iconic theme music is played, but on other occasions well-known songs by high-profile artists are also featured.
Richard went on to credit composer Paul Farrer, who created The Wheel’s jazzy theme song, and is also the brains behind the music choices on the hit show. “The music is incredible. The wheel music is absolutely amazing,” he gushed, however he admitted to breaking one important rule during his stint on the show, which caused a major headache for producers.
“The one thing [producers] said was 'don't sing along with the lyrics of the songs when you go round' because I think they can't use it if you're mouthing the lyrics. I mouthed along to every single one,” he laughed. “I'm not sure if they can use me - I absolutely couldn't help myself.”
His co-host Marina joked he could be “the £300,000 guest”, as she hinted Richard had probably cost the show money in royalties.
“[It would] literally cost them millions but it was really a lovely experience,” Richard added. Celebrities and contestants have been spotted singing along to the theme song, but the camera usually pans away from them if a well-known song that has been in the charts is played instead, in an effort to avoid paying out royalties to artists.
A Masterclass In Presenting
Richard, who was the former co-host of Pointless and presenter of House of Games, then heaped praise on comedian Michael, as he commended his “constant energy” while fronting the game show. “He's so brilliant. He's brilliant with the punters. He's brilliant with the celebrity experts. He absolutely drives that show through,” he said, as he claimed Michael gave a “masterclass” in presenting. “Y'know you need constant energy on that show and he just is incredible.”
Singing Along Costing Money?
Richard's confession about singing along to the music on The Wheel has led to speculation that he could have cost the show a lot of money. He was explicitly told not to sing along by producers because it could make the footage unusable due to copyright issues. If Richard was caught singing along to a copyrighted song, the BBC might have to pay royalties to the artist.
Why Do Copyright Issues Matter?
Copyright laws are designed to protect the rights of creators, including songwriters and musicians. They give the creator exclusive rights to control how their work is used, including the right to make copies, distribute copies, and publicly perform the work. If someone uses a copyrighted work without the permission of the copyright holder, they may be infringing on the copyright and could be liable for legal action.
The Importance of The Wheel's Music
The music on The Wheel is a key element of the show's overall atmosphere and appeal. It sets the tone, creates excitement, and helps to engage the audience. The use of well-known songs can also make the show more relatable and memorable for viewers. The show's producers are therefore very careful about the music they choose, and they want to ensure that they have the necessary rights to use it.
A Love For The Show
Despite the potential for legal complications, Richard's confession about his musical enthusiasm on The Wheel highlights the show's ability to create a fun and engaging atmosphere for both celebrities and viewers. It seems that even the most seasoned TV stars can't resist the urge to sing along to their favorite tunes! The Wheel is a show that is clearly a passion project for Richard, and his love for it is evident in his willingness to break the rules.
