A Deal or No Deal contestant has shared a behind-the-scenes look at what it is really like to appear on the ITV game show, revealing an unaired detail about the cold studio conditions.
The much-loved programme has remained a television favourite for years. Initially fronted by Noel Edmonds on Channel 4, the show returned in 2023 with a fresh ITV revival, presented by Stephen Mulhern. Each episode features a contestant selecting one of 22 boxes, each holding a different sum of money.
Behind-the-scenes TikTok reveals cold set secret
During the game, the contestant must open several boxes to rule out the cash sums that aren't in their selected box. This subsequently influences how much the notorious Banker decides to offer the player.
If the contestant continues rejecting offers until the end, they're left with their own box and one remaining unopened box. Whatever sum is inside their final box becomes their prize, reports the Mirror.
Filming days and the 'fun bus' journey
Recently, series three contestant Emma Donbavand posted a behind-the-scenes video on TikTok, revealing exactly what happens on the iconic programme. In the footage, which has racked up over 60,000 views, Emma can be seen making the journey from the North down to Maidstone, Kent - where Deal or No Deal is recorded.
Following her arrival at the hotel, she reunited with the other players and producers, with Emma disclosing: "It was then an early start for day one of filming." She subsequently shared footage of herself and her fellow contestants enjoying breakfast at the hotel before they all boarded the "fun bus," which took them to the studio.
Cold sets and hand warmers
Upon reaching the studio, the players made their way to the green room to prepare. Emma explained: "We'd head to hair and makeup, get our badges and mics, and then head down to the studio." Upon arriving on set, Emma made her way to her designated spot.
Letting slip a behind-the-scenes secret, Emma also disclosed: "It would actually also get really cold on the set, so they did bring us round some hand warmers."
Once the first game concluded, Emma returned to wardrobe to get changed ahead of game 2. With her outfit sorted, she headed back to the studio. Following game 2, the lunch break arrived, with Emma noting: "We'd pre-order our lunches in the morning based on the menu that day, and then it'd be delivered to the green room."
Three games a day and fan questions
After tucking in, another costume change awaited before the final game of the day. With that wrapped up, the contestants hopped back on the "fun bus" to the hotel "for dinner and a few drinks to do it all again the next day."
Meanwhile, in the comments section, Emma fielded questions from curious social media followers, including queries about the length of the hotel stay. She clarified: "It varies for each contestant." When quizzed about why she hadn't included footage of her selecting her box, Emma responded: "We're not allowed to show this!"
Deal or No Deal airs Monday to Friday at 4pm on ITV1.
