Richard Osman has presented his final episode of BBC's House of Games, ending a nine-year run as host. The 55-year-old confirmed earlier this year that he was leaving the programme, saying it was 'time to let someone else have a go.' His last show aired on Friday, October 2, and featured a heartfelt sign-off to viewers and crew.
Emotional farewell to viewers and crew
Before the show ended, Osman addressed the audience, saying, "All of the crew, they're wonderful people, you're going to have a new host next week, if you keep watching until after the credits, you're going to see who it is. You might know who it is anyway." He continued, "I want to thank the incredible crew. If you're worried about next week, I promise you, this show is House of Games, not because of me, but because of these incredible people. So, you're in very, very safe hands with this new host as well."
He added, "From me to you, thank you for watching. That's the real pleasure of this show, it's you, it's the viewers and people watching with their family and all sorts of things and all sorts of nonsense going on in the world, but you know you got half an hour of silliness going on here. From me, to you, thank you." Osman also thanked his final celebrity guests before telling viewers they would be watching House of Games on Monday, October 5, without him, although he added, "But, I will be watching with you, thank you."
Michael Sheen takes over as host
Sharing the sign-off on Instagram, Osman captioned the clip: "The very fondest of farewells to #HouseOfGames, it really has been a treat from start to finish. I can't wait to watch @mablilyradad taking the hot seat from Monday. And who knows, maybe I'll even turn up as a contestant one day? Thank you for all the love yesterday, and over the years."
Fans reacted emotionally to the post, with one person commenting, "I cried, thank you, sir, thank you (also loved Nola's note to you!)" Another wrote, "I had tears in my eyes watching this and had to rewind and watch it again to compose myself. You will be missed so much, and it would be amazing to see you as a contestant one day."
Michael Sheen, who is taking over as host, commented on the post: "Thank you so much for all your brilliance, kindness and care, Richard. What an achievement! I promise to look after the place xxx." Sheen had recently been announced as Osman's replacement, confessing to being nervous yet excited when first asked to host the long-running gameshow. He said, "It's something I watch every day. I've long been complaining about why no one had asked me to be on it, I was slightly outraged by that. But then, when I was asked if I'd be interested in hosting it, I was really excited but also nervous because, you know, it was so synonymous with Richard. Richard did such an amazing job with it."
Sheen added, "The thought of anyone taking over from Richard was, you know, something that I would be one of the people complaining about, if it hadn't been me! So, it was a mixture of excitement and a nervousness. Once I got over my initial fear, I was incredibly excited and honoured to be asked. Hugely honoured." House of Games continues weeknights on BBC Two from 6pm.
