Richard Osman Ends House of Games Run With Special Lineup

Richard Osman is officially bringing his remarkable nine-year tenure on BBC Two’s House of Games to a close. He marks his final week on the air with a special Champion of Champions tournament. The beloved general knowledge quiz show, which has aired over 800 episodes since its inception in 2017, is set to undergo a major transition as Osman hands over hosting duties to acclaimed Welsh actor Michael Sheen.

For his final week at the helm, Osman has curated a special lineup featuring four former champion comedians. The contestants competing in the high-stakes contest are Miles Jupp, Cariad Lloyd, Lucy Porter, and Kiell Smith-Bynoe. This special sequence delivers the signature wit and competitive spirit that fans expect from the weekday favorite.

Why Richard Osman is Stepping Down from House of Games

Osman announced his departure from the BBC quiz show earlier this year. He explained that the intensive schedule required for writing and filming made it impossible to balance alongside his burgeoning literary career and other ventures. Speaking on his podcast, The Rest is Entertainment, which he co-hosts with journalist Marina Hyde, Osman opened up about his decision.

“Just with the writing, there comes a point, you know, where you have to hand it over,” Osman shared with his listeners. “The BBC have, which I’m very glad about, have said they will continue it. So that incredible team I get to work with are still going to be making it with a different host. But not with me anymore.”

Osman’s literary success includes his international best-selling novel The Thursday Murder Club, which was adapted into a major Netflix film starring legendary actors Pierce Brosnan and Dame Helen Mirren. Additionally, Osman met his wife, Ingrid Oliver, on the set of House of Games when she appeared as a contestant in 2022, adding a personal milestone to his time on the programme.

Michael Sheen Steps in as the New Host

Following Osman’s departure, the popular BBC Two series will be rebranded and taken over by Hollywood star Michael Sheen. Known for his roles in Good Omens, Tron: Legacy, and Midnight in Paris, Sheen is set to preside over the recording of 100 upcoming episodes scheduled to broadcast later this year.

BBC head of daytime and early peak commissioning Rob Unsworth praised Osman’s monumental contribution to the network. “Richard Osman has established House of Games as one of our best-loved shows. His contribution to its success is impossible to overstate, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his work over the last nine years,” Unsworth stated.

As Osman steps away from daily television hosting-having previously exited another BBC staple, Pointless, in 2022-viewers can still enjoy his final episodes and anticipate the fresh era of the quiz show under Sheen’s direction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Osman and House of Games

When is Richard Osman’s final episode of House of Games?

Richard Osman’s final week as host concludes on Friday, October 2, airing at its usual 6:00 PM time slot on BBC Two.

Who are the contestants in the final champion week?

The final week features a special Champion of Champions contest starring former winners Miles Jupp, Cariad Lloyd, Lucy Porter, and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.

Who is replacing Richard Osman as host?

Welsh actor Michael Sheen, known for Good Omens, will take over hosting duties for the upcoming series, with the show changing its title accordingly.

Why did Richard Osman leave the show?

Osman stepped down to focus on his writing career-including his best-selling Thursday Murder Club series-and his podcast commitments due to the heavy time investment required to write and film daily episodes.

Did Richard Osman create House of Games?

Yes, Richard Osman created the BBC quiz format and served as its host and central figure since the show premiered in September 2017.