Richard Osman is stepping away from hosting duties on House of Games after nine years, signaling a new chapter for the BBC quiz show.
He revealed the news on his podcast with Marina Hyde, after teasing a career announcement at the episode’s start. Osman, now 55, explained that he’s prioritizing his bestselling Thursday Murder Club series and will shift his focus away from the show that helped launch his TV hosting career.
His exact words were: “I am leaving House of Games. It will no longer be Richard Osman’s House of Games. I gladly hand over the keys.” He added on The Rest is Entertainment that he has adored the role and the program, noting he has filmed 800 episodes to date.
House of Games, produced by Remarkable Entertainment (a Banijay UK group), has aired on BBC Two since 2017, with its ninth series currently underway. Osman also highlighted that he’s leaving with lots of fond memories, even mentioning that he met his wife through the show. Nevertheless, he emphasized that eventually, there comes a time to pass the baton to someone else.
Osman said he will complete a final week of filming, during which the big red armchair will be handed over to the new host. He also stated that while he will miss the show deeply, stepping back felt like the right move, similar to his departure from Pointless in the past.
In response, his podcast co-host Marina Hyde expressed gratitude for Osman’s contributions, calling the show a source of joy in their household. The discussion sparked lighthearted remarks about potential future hosts, including a playful nod to Su Pollard.
Banijay’s official statement confirmed the news and hinted at exciting plans for House of Games that will be announced soon. Rob Unsworth, head of daytime and early peak commissioning, praised Osman for making the program one of the network’s most beloved, and he expressed anticipation about revealing the next host to viewers in due course.
