Michael Sheen has posed with House of Games host Richard Osman as he prepares to take over as presenter on the BBC quiz. The programme first hit screens in 2017, with Richard, 55, at the helm since the beginning.
Handover Day at House of Games
It was announced last month that The Thursday Murder Club author had stepped down, with Hollywood actor Michael, 57, later signed up to replace him in shows airing from September. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, Richard shared a snap of the two men together in the House Of Games studio on 'handover day'. He captioned: 'It's handover day on House of Games! My final week, followed by Michael's first week will be on air, I'm guessing, in September. Can't wait to watch him #MichaelSheensHouseOfGames.'
Fan Reactions
One follower commented: 'Richard, you've been an amazing host. House of Games has been a staple in our family for past few years through good times and bad. Thank you for all the laughs and brilliant knowledge. Can't wait to see Michael take to the chair soon!' Another wrote: 'I am so, so sorry to see you go Richard. You are an absolute joy to watch and it just won't be the same.' A third penned: 'You'll be missed very much! Hope to see you back on the show as a champion soon!' While a fourth shared: 'You'll be missed. I'm sure Michael's cheeky wit will keep us all tuned in.'
Michael Sheen's Excitement
Speaking at the time of his announcement as the new host, Michael said: 'Quite literally very large shoes to fill but as a huge fan of the show I'm incredibly excited to be able to move into the House and at long last see my silhouette on a fondue set.' BBC commissioning executive, Caroline O'Neill, said: 'We're delighted to have Michael Sheen stepping into the House of Games. His charisma and passion for playfulness will be a joy for audiences and we've no doubt he'll relish throwing himself into a fiercely fought Answer Smash. We can't wait to share this next era of the show with viewers at home.'
Production Team's Comments
Joint MD for Remarkable Entertainment, Tamara Gilder, added: 'We are thrilled to be handing Michael Sheen the keys to House of Games. The show has always been a love letter to those who adore quizzes - and we have a new host who loves them as much as we do. We can't wait to start filming.' Richard previously said of his departure: 'It has been such a great pleasure, and honour, to present House of Games for the last nine years, with the absolute best team in television. But it's time to let someone else have a go, and I'm very excited to hand over the House keys to the lucky new host.'
Michael Sheen's Other Projects
Last month, Michael was said to have signed up for the next series of Celebrity Traitors, having been an expert in playing 'a string of lying and scheming' characters'. A source told The Sun: 'Michael has had a lot of practice playing lying, duplicitous and scheming men - the Traitors should be a breeze. He is very much seen as a 'big dog' signing. Behind the scenes, everyone is hugely excited. Michael is a massive fan of the show so it makes total sense that he would want to be a part of it. This year's show has some incredible names, a real blend of characters, and promises to be incredible.' A BBC Spokesperson said: 'We aren't commenting on speculation and details for The Celebrity Traitors series two will be announced in due course.' Daily Mail contacted Michael's representatives for comment at the time.
