In response to two pilot shows, the Mirror reports that a 20-part series has been commissioned with Stephen Mulhern as host, with the episodes set to air in a daytime slot like the original.
“Deal or No Deal is such a strong format you don’t want to go fiddling with it. It’s pretty much the same. The boxes are back, the banker is back and the 22 players. The only difference is Stephen, which gives it a fresh feel.”
Deal Or No Deal was originally broadcast on Channel 4 from 2005 until 2016 with Noel Edmonds as presenter.
The show’s format sees 22 contestants choose a box at random containing a monetary value ranging from 1p to £250,000. One of them is chosen to take on the banker in that day’s game assuming their position in the centre of the studio – dubbed the ‘Dream Factory’ – with their box.
Gameplay sees the contestant select boxes to be opened from the ‘wings’ hoping to avoid finding the larger sums of money, as the values within are subsequently taken out of play and determine the game’s success. At regular intervals the ‘unseen’ banker will call Edmonds with an offer for the contestant’s box based on how the game is faring. The longer big money stays in play the higher this is. Contestants are asked by Noel ‘Deal or No Deal?’ and answer accordingly to accept or decline each offer.
If contestants choose to accept an offer the game continues on a ‘what if’ basis. Their box is the very last to be opened and they must hope they have made the correct decisions earlier in the game.
Stephen is best known for hosting the game shows In For a Penny and Catchphrase, as well as Britain’s Got More Talent. The former CITV presenter has previously admitted that he would love to host a revival of Deal Or No Deal:
“Are they talking about it? The answer is yes. Would I love to host it? Yes, without fail. It’s one of the best game shows ever created.”
A revival of the popular series would be one of many coming to television in the months ahead, with Big Brother, Gladiators and Survivor also set for reboots.
