Welsh actor Michael Sheen has been officially confirmed as the new host of House of Games, taking over from Richard Osman, who has been the face of the BBC quiz show for the past nine years.
In a major shake-up for the popular series, Sheen will take the reins for the upcoming series, marking his debut as a quiz show host. The House of Games will return with 100 new episodes, set to air later this year, and Sheen is already brimming with excitement. “I’m a massive fan of the show,” he said, admitting that he has “very large shoes to fill” following Osman’s departure.
The show, which features four celebrities competing against each other in a series of general knowledge rounds, will now be overseen by Sheen, who is eager to bring his own unique energy to the program. He joked: “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.”
Richard Osman’s Farewell
Osman, who announced earlier that he would be stepping down from his hosting role, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, promising to leave the House of Games in top condition for Sheen’s arrival. “Beyond thrilled to be handing the #HouseOfGames keys over to the one and only Michael Sheen,” Osman wrote, joking, “I promise to put the hoover round before he arrives.”
Osman also wished Sheen the best of luck, saying, “You’re such a great choice, and I know you, and the viewers, will have an amazing time.”
BBC’s Enthusiasm for Sheen
Caroline O’Neill, BBC’s commissioning executive, expressed excitement about Sheen’s new role, praising his “charisma and passion for playfulness,” which she believes will resonate well with viewers. “We’re delighted to have Michael Sheen stepping into the House of Games,” she said. “His enthusiasm and dynamic personality will surely make for an unforgettable experience.”
A Busy Year for Michael Sheen
In addition to his quiz show debut, Sheen has also been announced as the host of a new BBC investigation series titled Buried. Based on the Radio 4 podcast of the same name, the series will focus on chemical contamination in Wales, with Sheen investigating claims of environmental damage near his hometown of Port Talbot.
Though Sheen is best known for his acting career, he has also hosted documentaries on topics like the care system and high-interest debt, proving his versatility as a public figure.
With his first appearance as a quiz show host eagerly anticipated, Sheen’s fans are in for a fun-filled and insightful ride with the new series of House of Games. Stay tuned as he brings his unique style and wit to the game show world!
