Richard Osman quits quiz show House of Games after 'amazing nine years'
BBC World
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Richard Osman, the beloved host of BBC’s *House of Games*, has announced his departure after an impressive nine-year run at the helm of the popular quiz show. Known for his witty charm and extensive contributions to the series, Osman revealed during a podcast interview that he will step down after completing one final week, marking the end of an era for the show. He humorously noted that the program will no longer bear his name, but rather “somebody else’s House of Games,” as he hands over the reins to a new host. With over 800 episodes under his belt since the show’s debut in 2017, Osman expressed gratitude for his time with *House of Games*, which also played a pivotal role in his personal life—he met his wife, Ingrid Oliver, during a 2022 episode.
The BBC has confirmed that the quiz show will continue under a new host, with more details to be shared soon. Rob Unsworth, the BBC’s head of daytime and early peak commissioning, praised Osman’s contributions, calling *House of Games* one of their most-loved shows. The series currently attracts around 1.6 million viewers per week across catch-up and on-demand platforms, underscoring its enduring appeal. Osman’s departure marks a significant shift for the show, which has become a staple of British television since its launch.
In addition to his work on *House of Games*, Osman is also known for his bestselling novels, including *The Thursday Murder Club*, which was adapted into a Netflix series starring Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan. His decision to step down from hosting reflects a natural evolution in his career, as he transitions focus back to his writing.
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/3/2026