Richard Osman is stepping away from hosting House of Games after nearly a decade at the helm. The 55-year-old revealed the news on his podcast with Marina Hyde, after hinting at a career announcement at the episode’s start. He explained that, just as he did when leaving Pointless, his decision to pause the show is to devote more time to his best-selling Thursday Murder Club novels.
“I am leaving House of Games. It will no longer be Richard Osman’s House of Games. I gladly hand over the keys,” Osman said, adding that he genuinely loves the show and is proud of the 800 episodes he has hosted. The program, produced by Remarkable Entertainment (a Banijay UK company), has been part of BBC Two’s lineup since 2017 and is currently in its ninth series.
Osman reflected on his deep connection to the project, noting that the experience even helped him meet his wife. However, he emphasized that there comes a time to move on and let others take the reins.
The BBC has confirmed the show will continue with a new host, and Osman plans to finish with a final filming week to officially pass the famous red armchair to the successor.
“I’ve loved doing it so much and I’ll be gutted when I’m no longer on it,” he admitted, comparing the transition to his departure from Pointless.
On The Rest is Entertainment, Hyde thanked Osman for spreading joy to audiences everywhere and joking about future possibilities, including a nod to Su Pollard joining the show.
Banijay’s official statement praised Osman for turning House of Games into one of the network’s most beloved daytime programs and hinted at exciting plans for the show’s next chapter, to be announced soon. Rob Unsworth, head of daytime and early peak commissioning, highlighted Osman’s significant contribution and the company’s gratitude, while inviting viewers to stay tuned for the big question: who will be the next host?
If you’re curious about what comes next, we’ll be watching closely to see how the show evolves under new leadership and whether the format will shift to fit a fresh voice while preserving the energy and camaraderie that fans have come to know.”
