Veteran crime novelist Lynda La Plante has launched a blistering attack on Richard Osman and confessed she changes channels whenever the author appears on screen.

The 82-year-old writer, known for creating Prime Suspect, delivered a frank assessment of the former Pointless presenter turned bestselling novelist after she named the 54-year-old as her strongest competition in the literary world.

Her criticism extended beyond professional rivalry, with La Plante making a gesture of disgust during the Ryan Tubridy Show on Virgin Radio.

The author questioned whether Osman’s commercial success stemmed purely from his writing abilities or his frequent appearances on British TV screens.

“I mean you can’t watch any program on television without him looming in it, and I immediately turn it off”, she said.

The acclaimed screenwriter expressed frustration at Osman’s ubiquitous media presence. “I can’t stand it because then people say ‘well how do you think his books shoot to number one?'” she told presenter Ryan Tubridy.

She continued her critique by suggesting a direct correlation between television exposure and book sales: “You know and a big movie made of his last book and you go, ‘if you’re on TV every 10 minutes, your public will buy you’ and that is it.

“It is so important for writers like me to get on shows like yours” La Plante said, emphasising the significance of media exposure for authors, “because it really does reach out to readers”.

The criticism of the presenter comes as Osman’s crime novels continue to dominate bestseller charts, with Netflix producing an adaptation of his debut book Thursday Murder Club, featuring Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan.

His latest work, We Solve Murders, has also rocketed up the charts.

During the interview, La Plante took it a step further and mimed retching in disgust when discussing the House of Games host.

“No you’re not allowed to be honest”, she joked after the host praised her candour towards her rival. “You’ve got to be lovely to everybody,” she laughed.

“This is what is often very difficult. You can’t actually be rude about anybody because then you’ll be attacked or my publishers will tell me off.”

She added that constant warnings against swearing or speaking her mind had made her “a little bit paranoid.” Despite Tubridy’s encouragement about her forthright nature, La Plante responded: “I’d love to but I’m not allowed to.”

La Plante has established herself as one of Britain’s most successful crime writers, creating acclaimed television dramas including Widows, and Trial And Retribution.

Meanwhile, Osman transitioned from television presenting to become a publishing phenomenon with his Thursday Murder Club series.

The former Pointless host married actress Ingrid Oliver in 2022, having first met her when she appeared as a contestant on House of Games.

Osman recently revealed he had admired Oliver, known for playing Petronella Osgood in Doctor Who, through social media interactions for a year before their first meeting.