A Deal or No Deal contestant has revealed her surprise at host Stephen Mulhern's off-camera actions, describing him as 'so lovely' and 'the ultimate professional'. Helen McPherson, a hairdresser and content creator from Kent, appeared on Friday's episode of the ITV game show, which has been fronted by Mulhern since 2024.
McPherson, who has 106,000 TikTok followers, admitted feeling 'really nervous and a bit starstruck' when she first met the presenter. She recalled digging her fingernails into his arm during the tense game, likening it to giving birth. However, she was struck by his genuine care for contestants, noting that he remembered details about her son and made an effort to talk to everyone.
'He is the ultimate professional, but I didn't expect him to be so kind and generous with his time,' McPherson said. 'I thought he'd just be whisked in at the last minute, do it and then go, but actually he wasn't.' She also described a touching moment when Mulhern comforted her off-camera after the game, giving her a cuddle as she cried.
McPherson also spoke about the strong bonds she formed with fellow contestants, comparing the experience to Big Brother. She admitted she used to find it 'cringy' when contestants got emotional with each other, but now understands the genuine connection formed during the intense filming schedule.
The mother-of-two walked away with £19,000 after accepting the banker's final offer. She plans to spend the winnings on a new car and family adventures.
