Television maestro and bestselling author Richard Osman has unveiled the one non-negotiable rule every guest at his Sussex home must abide by: an absolute ban on mobile phones.
The revelation came during a candid chat on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware. Osman explained that the strict policy isn't about being controlling, but is instead a protective measure for his most treasured item—a vast, irreplaceable collection of vintage board games.
The Priceless Collection at Risk
Osman's reasoning is both practical and personal. His home doubles as an archive for classic games, some of which are incredibly rare and vulnerable. He highlighted the specific danger phones pose to these analogue treasures.
"I've got loads of board games, and a lot of them are from the 70s and 80s," he stated. "The boxes are very fragile, and if you put a drink on them, they're ruined." His fear is that a guest, distracted by their device, would instinctively place their glass on the nearest flat surface—often the box of a beloved game.
A Welcome Digital Detox
Beyond preserving his collection, Osman champions the rule as a way to foster real, uninterrupted interaction. He believes the temporary digital detox is ultimately a positive experience for his visitors.
"It's my one rule: no phones in the house," he declared. The policy ensures that time spent with friends and family is about conversation and shared enjoyment, not scrolling through screens. It seems his guests are more than happy to comply for a chance to relax and play in the iconic presenter's unique home.
