Deal Or No Deal? will be back on Channel 4 from 14 August, and - according to the show's press release - it's going to have a new look!
They add: "The Banker’s not happy that he’s on the verge of having paid out an eye watering 9 million pounds in prize money since the show began and is determined to get revenge. He’s has spent his vacation dreaming up dozens of new twists and surprises that will make the third season of Deal Or No Deal? the most exciting and unpredictable yet."
Personally, I've given up on Deal, because I've seen every type of result you can get on that show: lots have walked away with 1p, most go away with £10-20k, some go with upwards of £50k and one woman scopped the £250,000 jackpot.
I know it's all about the personalities involved, but the laborious process of simply opening boxes in succession annoys me now. It's a simple premise, brilliantly orchestrated by host Noel Edmonds, but it's no longer essential teatime viewing. It hasn't been for over a year, either.
Another high-concept gameshow has avoided the same trap of over-familiarity. After nearly a decade, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? has shown us all the highs and lows its format allows, but you can still enjoy answering questions at home, admiring bravery, groaning at cowardice, or laughing when some brainless wonder doesn't know "the capital of Australia" for £500.
Deal Of No Deal? is nowhere near as flexible. After all, its game boils down to potluck and judgement. The news it's to be given a big revamp scares me a bit, especially after having witnessed the American version...
I suspect they'll be bringing in a few of the US version's gimmicks, such as The Banker offering prizes along with, or instead of, cash. Temptations like signed memorabilia and the chance to meet celebrities. The stuff money can't always buy you.
I just hope they don't bring in some of the crasser Americanizations, such as: The Banker being seen in silhouette, glamour models opening the boxes, family members whooping from a platform, and celebrity appearances in the studio, etc...
That really would be a case of "no deal".
