Firsts with Richard Osman: My first job, the poster on my wall, the first time I met Chris Evans

Virgin Radio

13 Sep 2023, 13:14

Richard Osman stopped by to reminisce on Virgin Radio Firsts.

When the writer and presenter called in to the Chris Evans Breakfast Show with cinch to talk about his brand new book, he also took some time to reminisce with us.

Ahead of his latest novel, The Last Devil To Die, out tomorrow (14th September), Richard told us about his first record, concert, poster and more.

Watch Richard Osman’s Firsts here: 

First single?

The first single I ever bought, still a classic to this day, This Ole House, Shakin’ Stevens. 

First time you met Chris Evans?

The first time I met Chris Evans was in the offices of The Big Breakfast, where I brought him a cup of tea, and he said, ‘Thanks, man’, so that's a nice memory to have, isn't it? That could have gone a lot worse. 

First concert you went to?

Brighton Centre, I'm gonna say 1980. My mum took me and my brother to see Toyah Wilcox. I later beat Toyah Wilcox in an arm wrestle on an episode of Pointless Celebrities. So it's funny how life turns out. 

First poster on your bedroom wall?

I think the first poster I had on my bedroom wall was Kim Wilde. You can't blame me, right?

Your first paid job?

My first paid job was working in Bejam, which was what Iceland used to be called. That's Iceland, the shop, not Iceland the country. Iceland the country did not used to be called Bejam. But I was just stacking shelves in Iceland. No, in Bejam, and I got fired because I didn't turn up to a stocktake.

First film you remember watching?

This ages me, 1977, Star Wars, I saw at the cinema with my mum. Closely followed by Police Academy, which I thought was the far superior movie, and still do. 

First book you remember reading?

The first series of books I remember reading were The Famous Five books when I was a kid. And essentially it's sort of about a gang of four with a dog, and that's exactly what The Thursday Murder Club is as well, I realise now. I've literally written The Famous Five but for pensioners.

While at Virgin Radio, Richard updated Chris Evans on plans for a Thursday Murder Club movie, and also spoke about why he is giving the series of books “a rest”.  

The Last Devil To Die is out this Thursday (14th September).