The hit game show Deal or No Deal is back for a brand-new season, with Stephen Mulhern returning as the host after a hugely successful reboot last year. The new series kicks off in the autumn on ITV1 and continues weekdays, bringing with it the familiar red boxes and the ever-elusive Banker.
Mulhern, whose enthusiasm for the format helped power the show’s revival, couldn’t be happier to return, as he shares on ITV. “I am absolutely over the moon that Deal or No Deal is returning to our screens,” he said. “Series one was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. I loved it!”
Crediting the show’s unique mix of tension and entertainment, Mulhern added, “It’s such a phenomenal show, and I’m absolutely chuffed to bits that we’re going to be doing it all over again.” Reflecting on the format’s enduring appeal, one insider noted, “Deal or No Deal is such a strong format you don’t want to go fiddling with it.”
Enduring Appeal
Deal or No Deal has long held a curious grip on the British public — equal parts thrilling and mystifying. Each episode sees a contestant select one of 22 sealed red boxes. Each contains a hidden cash amount ranging from pennies to thousands of pounds. As the game unfolds, players open the remaining boxes in rounds, revealing which amounts they’ve eliminated and trying to deduce the value of their own unopened box. At key points, they receive cash offers from a mysterious figure known as the Banker, whose goal is to buy them out for less than what they may be holding.
The game show has earned praise from critics, including leading TV pundit A. A. Gill and even Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker. Its popularity has been cemented with multiple awards over the years, including Best Daytime Programme at the Royal Television Society and National Television Awards, and the Rose d’Or for Best Game Show.
Stephen Mulhern, as the show’s new host, has successfully ushered in a new era. His easy charm has made him a natural fit for the role famously held by Noel Edmonds for over a decade. Mulhern, whose credits include Catchphrase and Dancing on Ice, brings energy and humour to each episode, sharing the same sense of credibility Edmonds had.
His knack for engaging everyday contestants with warmth and wit keeps audiences invested. “It’s one of the greatest shows of all time, and to be the new host is an honour!” he said in 2023 ahead of the reboot. His joy is genuine and infectious. As Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s Head of Entertainment, put it: “[Stephen’s] natural rapport with members of the public is the perfect combination for this much-loved TV series.”
Deal or No Deal Legacy Continues
Deal or No Deal has grown far beyond its original game show format to become a pop culture phenomenon with a surprising legacy. Its influence spans international versions, celebrity specials, and digital spin-offs that continue to reimagine the show’s core concept.
The most radical reinvention yet is Deal or No Deal Island, an American spinoff blending the original’s briefcase-based gameplay with Survivor-style strategy and elimination. Hosted by Joe Manganiello and executive produced by Howie Mandel, the show turns the familiar Deal format into an intense reality competition. Contestants scavenge for hidden briefcases across a remote island, then face a game of Deal or No Deal inside “The Temple,” where high stakes and bad deals could send them packing.
In the UK, Deal or No Deal has also maintained cultural relevance through branded digital games in online casinos like Slingo and themed bingo rooms, giving fans immersive ways to engage with the show outside of television. Indeed, the adaptation, Deal or No Deal Bingo 90, is one of the most popular titles in the UK. Because of its iconic status, it is often packaged with casino bonus offers alongside other leading titles like slots, The Walking Dead and Lucky Bass.
In addition, celebrity specials (with the likes of Jimmy Carr, Chris Moyles, and Derren Brown) and references in comedy (from Mock the Week and Harry Hill’s TV Burp to Little Britain and Dead Ringers) have further entrenched the show in the national psyche. While Noel Edmonds once defined its golden era, Mulhern’s successful reboot has proven that the format itself remains timeless.
As Deal or No Deal returns this autumn, the beloved game show looks set to continue earning high viewing figures. With its iconic format and fresh energy, the new series promises high-stakes drama, heartfelt moments, and, of course, the return of the mysterious Banker.
