Deal or No Deal set to return to screens with a new host

The format is going to stay the same though

Deal or No Deal is reportedly set to make a return to our screens after seven years away, with one major change to the original Channel 4 setup. With the iconic red boxes, black phone and the mysterious 'Banker', the game show became a staple of daytime TV after first airing on Channel 4 in 2005 with Noel Edmonds as host. In 2016 Channel 4 took the decision to scrap the show. But ITV has now reportedly agreed rights to broadcast the programme and has ordered 20 new episodes. Fans may be disappointed to hear that Noel will not be returning as host though. Instead, Stephen Mulhern is set to hosting after bosses were left delighted with his performance on two recently-recorded pilots, the Daily Star reports. Viewers will be familiar with Mulhern for his appearances on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, and his hosting duties on Catchphrase and Britain's Got More Talent. [caption id="attachment_374909" align="alignnone" width="2048"] ITV bosses were reportedly delighted with Mulhern's performance during the filming of two pilot episodes of Deal or No Deal (Getty)[/caption] Last month, he openly voiced his interest in hosting Deal or No Deal if it were to return. He said: "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." It sounds like the host will be the only change to the show though, with ITV bosses deciding that the format doesn't need any tweaking. "Deal or No Deal is such a strong format you don’t want to go fiddling with it," a source said. "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." During its 11-year stint on Channel 4, roughly £40,000,000 was handed out in prize money to contestants. Only nine contestants ever managed to bag the £250,000 jackpot though. Related links:

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