Attention all House of Games fans! Welsh actor Michael Sheen has been announced as Richard Osman’s replacement for the hit BBC gameshow after nine years as host – and viewers are “beyond thrilled” with the decision.
The shock news that Richard would be stepping down from the gameshow after nine years at the helm came on 3 March, when he shared that he would be passing the baton to someone new.
On Instagram, Richard shared: “It has been such a great pleasure, and honour, to present House Of Games for the last nine years, with the absolute best team in television. But it’s time to let someone else have a go, and I’m very excited to hand over the House keys to the lucky new host!’ Watch this space…”
Michael, 57, is a beloved actor best known for his roles in the Twilight franchise, Masters of Sex, A Very Royal Scandal and the sitcom Staged, in which he appeared alongside David Tennant. His new appointment marks his debut as a TV quiz show host, and he will preside over 100 episodes set to air later this year, according to the BBC.
Michael Sheen is the House of Games host
The announcement was made on Instagram, where the official House of Games page wrote: “The news you’ve all been waiting for… Michael Sheen is confirmed as the host of the next series House of Games!”
The news was accompanied by a statement from Michael, which read: “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.”
Fans react to the news
Fans of the show were quick to take to the comments to share their thoughts on the new host, with many praising the “amazing” decision.
“Wow, that’s a great choice. Please get David Tennant to do House of Games!” wrote one person, while another said: “Woohoo!!! Huge fan of Richard and am very sad to see him go, but also a huge fan of Michael, so delighted with this news!”
A third added: “I am beyond thrilled with this choice!” while a fourth penned: “Checked calendar. Checked again. NOT April 1st. Best choice ever!! Love this!”
A fifth viewer penned: “Literally the perfect choice to replace Richard. I couldn’t have asked for better!!”
BBC’s response to the new host
The BBC also shared their praise for the new host, with Tamara Gilder, Joint MD for Remarkable Entertainment, saying: “We are thrilled to be handing Michael Sheen the keys to House of Games. 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.”
© Dave Benett/WireImageMeanwhile, Caroline O’Neill, BBC Commissioning Executive, added: “We’re delighted to have Michael Sheen stepping into the House of Games. His charisma and passion for playfulness will be a joy for audiences and 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.”
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