A surprise announcement reveals that a prominent Hollywood actor will take over as the new host of the popular BBC quiz show House of Games. Michael Sheen has been confirmed as the successor to Richard Osman, who has hosted the show for the past nine years. This will be Sheen’s first foray into hosting a quiz show, and he is set to lead the recording of 100 episodes slated for broadcast later this year.
In a statement, Michael Sheen expressed his excitement about joining the show, acknowledging the challenge of stepping into Osman’s shoes but also conveying his enthusiasm for the opportunity. Tamara Gilder, Joint MD for Remarkable Entertainment, expressed their delight in welcoming Sheen to House of Games, emphasizing his shared passion for quizzes. BBC Commissioning Executive Caroline O’Neill praised Sheen’s charisma and playful nature, anticipating a new era of the show under his hosting.
Richard Osman, who announced his departure in March after nearly a decade of hosting, expressed gratitude for his time on the show and excitement for the new chapter with a different host. House of Games, which has been a fixture on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer since 2017, continues to draw strong viewership, with the current series attracting over 1.6 million viewers.
Apart from his successful novel series and movie adaptations, Richard Osman cited his focus on writing as the reason for leaving House of Games. Despite his decision, he acknowledged feeling sentimental about leaving the quiz show behind.