Actor replaces Richard Osman for fresh batch of 100 episodes of Remarkable’s BBC2 title

Actor Michael Sheen will occupy the chair recently vacated by Richard Osman to host BBC2’s daytime quiz House of Games.

Sheen will preside over 100 episodes of the Remarkable Entertainment-produced format, which, over the course of a week, sees five celebrities battle it out answering riddles and puzzles.

Osman hosted the series since it debut nine years ago and stepped down earlier this month.

House of Games marks actor and activist Sheen’s first time as a quiz show host.

The quiz is made by Banijay label Remarkable for BBC2, and is commissioned by Rob Unsworth, head of BBC Daytime and early peak commissioning, and Caroline O’Neill, BBC Daytime and early peak commissioning executive. It is exec produced by Breid McLoone.

O’Neill said: “[Sheen’s] 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.”

Tamara Gilder, joint managing director of Remarkable, added: “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.”

Sheen said of his new hosting gig: “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.”