Brothers Ryan and Adam Thomas, two of Britain's most recognizable TV personalities, are set to appear on the celebrity edition of Deal or No Deal tonight (August 8) with host Stephen Mulhern. The Manchester-born siblings will face the Banker, aiming to win £100,000 for their chosen charity.
Beyond their on-screen work, it's their tight-knit family connection that has captivated audiences. They frequently share glimpses of their private lives with followers, featuring their partners, kids, and younger sibling Scott.
Famous Brothers
While many assume Ryan and Adam are twins due to their striking similarity, it's actually Adam who shares that bond with Scott. Scott Thomas gained prominence on Love Island in 2016 and returned for the All Stars edition in 2025. Despite pursuing a different path from his acting brothers, the three maintain an exceptionally strong relationship and have collaborated on various ventures, including their family podcast and social media output.
Ryan, born in 1984, is the oldest, while Adam and Scott arrived in August 1988. The brothers have often joked about their childhood rivalry but also shared heartfelt reflections on supporting each other through life's challenges.
Tragic Loss
Their father, Manchester soul legend Dougie James, who toured with the Jackson 5, died in November 2020 at age 72. His death followed a trip to India with Ryan, Adam, and Scott to discover their roots, documented in the ITV programme Mancs in Mumbai. The month-long expedition saw the brothers follow in the footsteps of their grandfather Nolan, who moved to Britain from India in 1947.
Ryan previously explained: "Watching him as a showman and an entertainer was very influential, even if none of us inherited the ability to sing a note. He died of a heart attack in 2020 and it was one of the hardest things me and my brothers have been through."
Ryan's Blended Family
Ryan, known for Coronation Street, is a devoted father to three children. He has a daughter, Scarlett Thomas, with former colleague Tina O'Brien. Scarlett is developing an acting career, appearing in BBC's Waterloo Road. Ryan is now engaged to Lucy Mecklenburgh, formerly of The Only Way Is Essex. The pair share son Roman and daughter Lilah, and frequently post family snapshots online. After years in Essex, they moved back to Manchester to be nearer relatives, enabling cousins to spend time together.
Adam's Family Life
Adam rose to prominence in 2006 as Donte Charles in Waterloo Road. He then played Adam Barton in Emmerdale for nearly ten years before leaving in 2018. When the BBC revived Waterloo Road in 2023, he returned to the role that kickstarted his career. At home, Adam leads a hectic family life with wife Caroline Daly, whom he married in 2017. They have two children, son Teddy and daughter Elsie-Rose, who often appear on social media.
Adam's Health Battle
Adam has been open about his medical condition, revealing he suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints. The condition was identified after months of unexplained symptoms, leading him to adjust his lifestyle and raise awareness. He has also been candid about his mental health, admitting struggles with anxiety and self-confidence despite years in the spotlight. He's discussed the importance of getting help, prioritizing family time, and maintaining a better work-life balance.
Deal or No Deal Celebrity Special airs tonight from 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
