BBC leaves fans divided with ‘unexpected’ Richard Osman’s House of Games replacement: ‘Very odd!’
The BBC has confirmed Richard Osman’s House of Games replacement, which has left fans divided as many brand the choice “odd”.
Michael Sheen was announced on Monday as the new presenter of the BBC Two’s show, with the 57-year-old Welsh performer set to take charge of the popular quiz programme.
Mr Osman departed the series this month following a nine-year stint at the helm.
The multi-award-winning actor’s appointment represents his first venture into quiz show hosting.
Mr Sheen acknowledged the challenge ahead of him, noting that he has “quite literally very large shoes to fill” in reference to his predecessor.
However, the Bafta-winning actor expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, describing himself as a devoted viewer of the programme.
“I’m incredibly excited to be able to move into the House and at long last see my silhouette on a fondue set,” he said in a statement released by the BBC.
The fondue set reference nods to one of the show’s signature prize items, which features the winning contestant’s profile etched onto the kitchenware.
Richard Osman announced he has quit House of Games
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BBC
Responding to the news, fans have displayed a mixed reaction.
Taking to X, one penned: “Michael Sheen taking over House of Games is mad.”
“But he’s a bona fide classical actor! This is very odd indeed in my opinion!” a second criticised.
A third shared: “Good pick but he is not much of a host.”
Someone else added: “Wow, I did not see that coming, and whilst I do like Michael Sheen, I reserve judgement till I’ve seen it, doesn’t seem a natural choice though.”
Another simply commented: “He seems a little too… Famous?”
Others were delighted with the choice though, with one writing: “I swore that I would enjoy anybody else doing it… but… I love Michael Sheen! this is definitely true isn’t it?”
“That’s a real curve ball, but great,” another posted.
Production is set to commence on 100 episodes, which will be broadcast later this year
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GETTY
One more remarked: “Okay, well this is unexpected choice but I do like Michael Sheen so I am not mad at all about it.” (sic)
Production is set to commence on 100 episodes, which will be broadcast later this year.
For Mr Sheen, the role represents uncharted territory in his distinguished career.
Despite numerous accolades for his acting work, including Bafta recognition, the 57-year-old has never previously fronted a quiz programme.
Caroline O’Neill, BBC Commissioning Executive, expressed delight at securing Sheen for the role. “We’re delighted to have Michael Sheen stepping into the House of Games,” she stated.
O’Neill highlighted the actor’s personal qualities as key to his selection, praising “his charisma and passion for playfulness” as attributes that would resonate with audiences. She predicted viewers would enjoy watching him tackle the show’s popular rounds.
“We’ve no doubt he’ll relish throwing himself into a fiercely fought Answer Smash,” O’Neill remarked, referencing one of the programme’s best-known games.
The commissioning executive concluded by expressing anticipation about unveiling “this next era of the show with viewers at home.”
