Earlier this month, Richard Osman announced his exit from the hit quiz show House of Games. Now, the BBC has confirmed Michael Sheen will take over the hosting gig.
The Rest is Entertainment host broke fans’ hearts after confirming his departure from the BBC Two series after nine years on the show.
In a new statement, the broadcaster confirmed Welsh actor Michael, 57, is set to step into Richard’s shoes in his debut as a game show host, with plans to preside over 100 episodes coming out later this year.
‘Quite literally very large shoes to fill but as a huge fan of the show I’m incredibly excited to be able to move into the House and at long last see my silhouette on a fondue set,’ the Good Omens star said.
Tamara Gilder, Joint MD for Remarkable Entertainment, said she was ‘thrilled to be handing Michael Sheen the keys to House of Games.’
She continued: ‘The show has always been a love letter to those who adore quizzes – and we have a new host who loves them as much as we do. We can’t wait to start filming.’
Meanwhile, Caroline O’Neill, BBC Commissioning Executive, praised Sheen’s ‘charisma and passion for playfulness’ which ‘will be a joy for audiences’.
‘We’ve no doubt he’ll relish throwing himself into a fiercely fought Answer Smash. We can’t wait to share this next era of the show with viewers at home,’ she said.
Sharing the sad news of his goodbye with followers at the beginning of March, the Thursday Murder Club author said he ‘gladly hands over the keys.’
Speaking on his podcast with Marina Hyde, he continued: ‘I just wanted to go on record saying how much I love it and loved it,’ noting he has completed 800 episodes on the programme.
‘I’ve loved it. Of course, I met my wife through it as well. Just with the writing, there comes a point where you have to hand it over.’
Over on his Instagram post, he added that it’s ‘really been a treat from start to finish’.
Nevertheless, it was a blow for his avid fans who had already mourned his exit from Pointless in 2022.
As for his successor, this is the acclaimed stage and screen star’s first foray into reality show hosting as he prepares to take the reins of the 10th season.
Most recently, he appeared in a stage production of Our Town, and he is also set to reprise his role as angel Aziraphale in the finale of Good Omens later this year opposite pal David Tennant.
In fact, he seems to be following in his Scottish co-star’s footsteps after he too launched his own quiz show, Genius Game (although it has since been cancelled)
For Michael Sheen fans not in the know on how the quiz show works, we’ve got you covered.
Each week (over five episodes), four celebrities will compete in trivia-based challenges and quiz games selected by the new host, Michael. After their scores are tallied up, a winner is crowned on the Friday – simple enough.
Michael Sheen’s House of Games will return later in 2026.
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