Deal or No Deal return CONFIRMED with Stephen Mulhern replacing former host Noel Edmonds on game show which handed out £40million in winnings over 13 series
The return of Deal or No Deal has been confirmed, with Stephen Mulhern set to host the iconic gameshow six years after it was axed from Channel 4.
Airing on ITV1 and ITVX, the programme will see contestants battle it out against the notorious Banker to be in with a chance of winning a life-changing cash prize, in a nail-biting game of nerves and intuition.
Deal Or No Deal was previously fronted by Noel Edmonds, from its first episode in 2005 until it ended in August 2016 after 13 series.
Each week, a contestant will be confronted with 22 sealed boxes, each one hiding a different amount of money.
Without knowing what each one contains, the player must eliminate the boxes, which are opened one at a time to reveal the amount of money inside.
Back on the box: The return of Deal or No Deal has been confirmed, with Stephen Mulhern, 45, set to host the iconic gameshow six years after it was axed from Channel 4
Pressure mounts as the player is tempted by the notorious Banker to accept an offer of cash in exchange for what might be inside their box.
As long as the larger cash prizes remain unchosen, the Banker’s offers will get higher. But that can all change in an instant if a big cash prize is unveiled.
Host Stephen Mulhern, 45, said: ‘Wow what an opportunity, I’m beyond excited to be hosting the brand-new series.
‘I’ve always been such a huge fan of the show, so much so, I’ve been practising at home with small cereal boxes!
‘It looks so simple but it’s an incredibly compelling game for both those playing and the viewers watching at home.
‘It’s one of the greatest shows of all time and to be the new host is an honour! I can’t wait to get started.’
Tamara Gilder, Joint Managing Director for producer Remarkable Entertainment, said: ‘We are thrilled to be bringing Deal or No Deal back.
‘It’s an iconic format – but now on a new channel with a new, fantastic host. We also have a new Banker, but I’m afraid they’re even more awful than the last one.’
Throwback: Deal Or No Deal was previously fronted by Noel Edmonds, from its first episode in 2005 until it ended in August 2016 after 13 series
Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment commissioning at ITV added: ‘Deal or No Deal is such an iconic format and we are delighted that it will be joining the ITV family.
‘Stephen’s infectious warmth and wit mixed with his natural rapport with members of the public is the perfect combination for this much-loved TV series.’
Presenter Stephen is best known for fronting In For A Penny, as well as Catchphrase, and is a key part of ITV’s Saturday Night Takeaway team.
Deal or No Deal, which aired for more than a decade, initially proved a hit, but audience numbers dwindled in its final few series.
At its peak in 2006, it attracted more than three million, but towards the end of its run tended to draw around 300,000 viewers an episode.
Beginning in 2005, Noel presented almost 3,000 episodes of the show, in which contestants win prize money by selecting from 22 red boxes worth different sums.
He handed out £40million in winnings, although just eight contestants got the £250,000 jackpot.
Game play: Airing on ITV1 and ITVX, the programme will see contestants battle it out against the notorious Banker to be in with a chance of winning a life-changing cash prize (Stephen pictured on ITV’s Catchphrase: Catchiest Moments)
Prior to its axe in 2016, Noel said in a newspaper interview: ‘I do not know if it will be recorded again – if it’s over, I have had a sensational ten years.’
At the time, Channel 4’s then chief creative officer Jay Hunt said: ‘I remember watching Deal Or No Deal launch and watching it grow to become a hit that captivated audiences for over a decade.
‘A lot of the credit for that must go to Noel and his exceptional presenting.’
Casting is now open for the new series of Deal or No Deal and an air date will be announced in due course.
Mammoth run: Beginning in 2005, Noel presented almost 3,000 episodes of the show, in which contestants win prize money by selecting from 22 red boxes worth different sums
Source: Read Full Article
