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Richard Osman signs off House of Games after nine years; Michael Sheen takes over

Richard Osman presented his final House of Games on Friday 2 October after nine years, and Michael Sheen began hosting on Monday 5 October. Osman thanked the crew and viewers and said the show was in "very, very safe hands".

2 outlets · 0L · 1C · 1R First reported Account updated
Image: Radio Times
Image: Daily Express

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The story, neutrally told

Mixed · 2Richard Osman presented his final episode of the BBC Two gameshow House of Games on Friday 2 October, after nine years as host. Centre · 1The final week saw previous winners return, and Lucy Porter won both the Friday episode and the week, finishing ahead of Cariad Lloyd, Miles Jupp and Kiell Smith-Bynoe. Mixed · 2In his sign-off Osman thanked the crew and told viewers they were in "very, very safe hands" with the new host, adding: "Thank you for watching."

Centre · 1After the credits, a short scene showed Osman in a contestant's chair, pitching the studio as a "house" to the host's chair, which swivelled to reveal Michael Sheen, who said: "I'll take it." Centre · 1Sheen, known for Good Omens and currently appearing in Celebrity Traitors, was announced as host earlier this year, and his first week's contestants are Stephen Mangan, Shona McGarty, Andi Peters and Nina Wadia. Right · 1Osman, 55, had said earlier this year that it was "time to let someone else have a go", and on Instagram he wrote that he could not wait to watch Sheen take the hot seat and that he might one day appear as a contestant.

Right · 1Sheen, who is Welsh, replied on Instagram that he would "look after the place", and said he had been both excited and nervous to be asked because the show was so synonymous with Osman. Mixed · 2House of Games airs weekdays at 6pm on BBC Two, and is also on iPlayer.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.

Left0 outlets

No left outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

Centre1 outlet

Framing
Radio Times reports the handover as a TV news item, focused on the final episode, the week's winner and the post-credits scene revealing Sheen.
Emphasis
The post-credits scene, the contestants and Sheen's first-week line-up.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not include Osman's Instagram message or Sheen's comments on being nervous.
For example
“after the credits, Sheen made an appearance in a special scene.” — Radio Times

Right1 outlet

Framing
The Daily Express writes an emotional farewell piece, built on Osman's sign-off words, his Instagram caption and fan reaction.
Emphasis
Viewer tears, social media comments and Sheen's remarks about taking over.
Leaves out or plays down
Leaves out the post-credits scene with Sheen and the final week's winner.
Charged language
“emotional sign-off”“had BBC viewers in tears”
For example
“Presenter Richard Osman had BBC viewers in tears as he signed off for the final time from his role on House of Games.” — Daily Express