If you’ve ever found yourself shouting “No deal!” at the telly while someone agonises over a red box, you know the pull of Deal or No Deal. This guide sorts the facts from the rumours about the franchise’s future in 2026, covering hosts, prizes, and what to expect next.
Original UK run: 2005–2016 on Channel 4 ·
Current UK host: Stephen Mulhern (since 2023 revival) ·
US version host: Howie Mandel (2005–2019) ·
Top prize offered: £250,000 in UK, $1,000,000 in US
Quick snapshot
- Stephen Mulhern is the current host of the UK revival on ITV (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- Noel Edmonds hosted the original Channel 4 series from 2005–2016 (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- Howie Mandel hosted the American version on NBC (2005–2019) (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- Lucrezia Millarini is the case opener on the UK show (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- Whether Deal or No Deal will air new episodes in 2026
- If the US version will ever be revived in its original format
- Exact time slot for 2026 episodes (if renewed)
- Dec 2025: Endemol Shine shopping new revival after Deal or No Deal Island cancellation (Buzzer Blog (game show news site))
- ITV has not officially cancelled or renewed the UK revival for 2026
- US could see a classic revival pitched to networks in 2026
Six key facts at a glance — the contrasts between the original and revived franchises show how the format has shifted networks and hosts.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Original host (UK) | Noel Edmonds |
| Current host (UK) | Stephen Mulhern |
| First aired (UK) | 31 October 2005 |
| Original network (UK) | Channel 4 |
| Revival network (UK) | ITV |
| US host | Howie Mandel |
Will Deal or No Deal Be on in 2026?
NBCUniversal cancellations and the US version
In December 2025, NBCUniversal cancelled Deal or No Deal Island after two seasons, meaning that spinoff will not return for a third season. The show was hosted by Joe Manganiello and blended the classic game with survival-style challenges (Buzzer Blog (game show news site)). However, the original Deal or No Deal format was not among the five cancellations NBCUniversal announced in early 2026 — it was not affected because the classic US version has been off the air since 2019.
The Island’s demise doesn’t kill the mothership; in fact, Endemol Shine North America is reportedly shopping a reboot of the classic Deal or No Deal to networks (Buzzer Blog (game show news site)). For US fans, 2026 could bring a new version — but it’s far from confirmed.
ITV’s revival: current status
The UK revival, which began in 2023 on ITV, is still airing new episodes as of early 2026. The show airs weekdays and is available on demand via ITVX. ITV has not announced a cancellation or a specific renewal for 2026, but the series continues to produce episodes (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
What time will it air if renewed?
No official time slot has been confirmed for 2026. Historically, the UK revival aired in the early evening (around 5 p.m. weekdays), but schedules can shift. Fans should monitor ITV’s programme listings. In the US, any potential revival would likely find a home on a cable or streaming platform, but no deal has been announced.
Who Is the Presenter of Deal or No Deal?
Stephen Mulhern: current host of the UK revival
Stephen Mulhern took over as host when ITV revived the show in 2023. He is known for his work on Britain’s Got More Talent and Catchphrase (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
Noel Edmonds: original host (2005–2016)
Noel Edmonds presented the original Channel 4 series for over a decade, becoming synonymous with the show’s “Deal or No Deal” catchphrase and his distinctive suits (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
Howie Mandel: US version host
Howie Mandel hosted the American version on NBC from its premiere in 2005 through the CNBC revival in 2018‑2019. He also executive‑produced the show (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
Lucrezia Millarini: model and case opener
Lucrezia Millarini is the glamorous “case opener” on the current UK revival, responsible for carrying the briefcase and revealing the contents (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
What this means: The hosting baton has passed from a legendary TV personality (Edmonds) to a modern presenter (Mulhern), while the US variant remains tied to Howie Mandel’s era. Any new US revival may choose a fresh face or stick with the original host.
Is Deal or No Deal Still on TV?
Yes — but only in the UK. The ITV revival airs weekdays and is available on ITVX. The US version ended its original run in 2010, had a short CNBC revival in 2018‑2019, and has not returned since. The Deal or No Deal Island spinoff was cancelled in 2025. So for now, only the UK version is actively broadcasting new episodes (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
For viewers outside the UK, the show is effectively off the air. Anyone hoping to see new US episodes will have to wait for Endemol Shine’s revival pitch to land a network — which could take months or years.
The trade-off: The UK keeps the flame alive, but the franchise’s global footprint has shrunk dramatically. The US and Australian versions are dormant, and only the British version remains a daily fixture.
Has Anyone Won the Top Prize on Deal or No Deal?
UK winners: the largest payouts
No UK contestant has ever taken home the maximum £250,000 prize. The banker has never been forced to pay out the top sum because no player has rejected an offer high enough to reach that amount. The largest payout ever was £250,000 to a contestant who actually had the top prize in their box — but that was a special episode where the contestant banked the full amount after the game ended (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
US winners: million‑dollar moments
The US version saw one contestant win the $1,000,000 top prize: Toni Vazquez in 2009. She famously dealt with the banker’s final offer of $561,000 but later revealed her case contained the million dollars — a dramatic climax (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
Odds of winning the top prize
With 26 cases, the statistical chance of holding the top prize is 1 in 26. However, the structure of the game means a player must reject the banker’s offers until the final two cases, which is a rare achievement. Most contestants take a deal well before that point.
The catch: Winning the top prize is as much about nerve as luck. The banker’s offers are designed to tempt players away from the big money, and most walk away with significantly less than the maximum.
What Time Is Deal or No Deal in 2026?
As of early 2025, no schedule has been published for 2026. The current UK revival airs weekdays at 5 p.m. on ITV and is available on ITVX at any time. In the US, no broadcasts are scheduled. If a new US revival lands a network, the time slot would depend on the network’s schedule. For now, the advice is to check local listings or stream past episodes on ITVX (ITV (official broadcaster)).
The implication: Fans in the UK can tune in at teatime, while US fans are in limbo. A new US revival would likely occupy a prime‑time slot, but that’s speculative.
Timeline
- – Deal or No Deal premieres on Channel 4 (UK) (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- – US version debuts on NBC (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- – Syndicated US version launches (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- – Original UK run ends after 2,916 episodes (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- – CNBC revival announced with Howie Mandel (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- – ITV revives the series with Stephen Mulhern as host (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- – Deal or No Deal Island cancelled; Endemol Shine pitches classic revival (Buzzer Blog (game show news site))
The franchise has never had more spinoffs and revivals in play at once — yet its future is more uncertain than ever. The Island’s cancellation removed a high‑profile entry, while the classic format waits for a new home.
The timeline effect: This sequence shows how the franchise has cycled through networks and formats, always returning to its core concept.
What We Know vs. What Remains Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Stephen Mulhern is the current host of the UK revival
- Noel Edmonds hosted the original Channel 4 series
- Howie Mandel hosted the American version
- Lucrezia Millarini appears as the case opener
- Deal or No Deal Island was cancelled after two seasons (Buzzer Blog (game show news site))
- US version ended in 2019 after CNBC run (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
What’s unclear
- Whether Deal or No Deal will air new episodes in 2026
- If the US version will ever be revived in its original format
- Exact time slot for 2026 episodes (if renewed)
- The status of Endemol Shine’s revival pitch — no network has picked it up publicly
- Whether the UK revival will continue beyond 2025 into 2026 without an official renewal
The balance of evidence: The balance of evidence suggests the franchise is more likely to contract than expand in the near term.
Voices from the Show
“I had a health scare, but I’m fine now. It makes you realise what’s important.”
Stephen Mulhern – speaking on Lorraine (ITV morning show)
“Deal or No Deal was the most extraordinary experience. It was a show that captured the nation’s imagination in a way I never expected.”
Noel Edmonds – reflecting on his time as host (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
These two quotes encapsulate the franchise’s emotional arc: Mulhern’s vulnerability after a health scare contrasts with Edmonds’ nostalgia for a era that defined daytime TV. Both perspectives remind us that the show’s heart has always been the human gamble.
The personal stakes: These reflections highlight the personal and cultural stakes behind the banker’s offers.
What This Means for Deal or No Deal Fans
The franchise is at a crossroads. The UK version remains a reliable teatime fixture, but without an official renewal for 2026 its run could be short‑lived. In the US, the cancellation of Deal or No Deal Island has opened the door for a classic revival, but no deal has been signed. For UK viewers, the advice is to keep watching and supporting the show to demonstrate demand. For US fans, the only certainty is uncertainty — the odds of a new season landing in 2026 are roughly 1 in 26, just like picking the million‑dollar case.
For a deeper look at the show’s rules and host, check out the shows rules and host.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply to be a contestant on Deal or No Deal?
Applications for the UK version are open periodically via the ITV website. There is no standard timeline; check the official site for current casting calls. For the US version, no casting is active.
What is the biggest offer ever made by the Banker?
The Banker’s highest offer in the UK version was £250,000 (the top prize). In the US, offers have exceeded $800,000. The exact amounts vary by episode.
How many suitcases are there in Deal or No Deal?
The standard format uses 26 cases. That number has remained constant across all major versions.
Who is the actor who plays the Banker?
In the UK version, the Banker is an uncredited voice actor. In the US version, the Banker is also an uncredited production role. The identity is kept secret to maintain the show’s mystique.
Is Deal or No Deal rigged?
No, the game is a legitimate contest of chance. The cases are sealed by an independent auditor, and the banker’s offers are based on the remaining values. No evidence of rigging has ever been substantiated.
Where is Deal or No Deal filmed?
The current UK revival is filmed at dock10 studios in Salford, Greater Manchester. The original UK series was filmed at various locations including Pinewood Studios. The US version was filmed at CBS Television City in Los Angeles and later at Universal Orlando for the CNBC revival.
How long does a typical episode last?
UK episodes run about 45 minutes (including ad breaks). US episodes were similar. The format allows for extended play if the game reaches the final case.
Related reading
- Thick of It – Comprehensive Guide to Cast, Seasons and Veep (Australia Focus)
- Colin from Accounts: Season 3, Where to Watch UK & Ireland (Australia Focus)
Andrew Ellis leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Australia Focus.