Quiz show host Richard Osman has announced that he is leaving BBC quiz show “Richard Osman’s House of Games” after helming the series for more than nine years. In that time, he has hosted more than 800 episodes and has now revealed that he is leaving the show. The hit BBC series sees four celebrities competing across a selection of general knowledge and word games over the course of a week.
Speaking on his podcast “The Rest is Entertainment” alongside his co-host Marina Hyde, Osman confirmed that the series would continue with a new host and title but did not say who would be taking over when he leaves later this year.
Richard Osman to Quit ‘Richard Osman’s House of Games’ After Nine Years
Osman, who has also hosted the highly successful BBC quiz show “Pointless” with Alexander Armstrong, told listeners of the podcast about his career move during the latest episode. “It will no longer be Richard Osmond’s House of Games. It will be somebody else’s House of Games,” he confirmed. “And I gladly hand over the keys.”
He then went on to explain just how important the show has been to him both professionally and personally. The presenter met his wife, actor Ingrid Oliver, when she was one of the competitors in 2022.
“I’ve loved it. And of course I met my wife through it as well,” he added. “It’s just with the writing, there comes a point, you know, where you have to hand it over. I’ve loved doing it so much and I’ll be gutted when I don’t do it any more.”
He then went on to reveal that the series would continue without him, operating under a new name to reflect his departure, although he didn’t give any indication of who the new host will be. However, he did announce that he would be involved in passing over the baton and will film “one final week where I will hand over to the new host”
Richard Osman is Concentrating on His Highly Successful Novels
Alongside his work as a television producer and host, Osman is also a critically acclaimed and best-selling author. He has written the “Thursday Murder Club” series, which has since been adapted into a film by Netflix that stars Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, and “We Solve Murders.
He has since posted a full statement on Instagram explaining his decision and thanking those who are involved in making the show.
“Thank you for all your kind words as I step down from ‘House of Games’ after 9 amazing years. It is honestly the most fun show to work on, with the most wonderful team, but, after 800 episodes it’s time to hand over the keys to a new host,” he said.
Osman continued, “There are still plenty of new episodes still to air, though, and I’ll even be filming one final handover week later in the year! It really has been a treat from start to finish.”
