Deal or No Deal 2026: Revival, Host & How to Apply

Few game shows have sparked as much nostalgia as Deal or No Deal, which ITV revived in November 2023 with Stephen Mulhern after the original UK series ended on 22 December 2016. A new series is confirmed for 2026, and here’s what we know about the revival and how to apply.

Original UK air dates: 2005–2016 · 2023 ITV revival: Launched 20 November 2023 · Current UK host: Stephen Mulhern · Original UK host: Noel Edmonds · 2026 revival status (UK): Confirmed by ITV · Australian 2026 season: Episode 93 aired 3 days ago as of Feb 2025

Seven key facts, one pattern: Deal or No Deal is experiencing a cross-continent revival with multiple countries actively in production.

Will Deal or No Deal be back in 2026?

Confirmed UK revival for 2026

Yes — ITV has confirmed that Deal or No Deal will return for a third series in 2026. The rebooted show, which premiered on 20 November 2023, has already aired two full series. Applications for the third series closed on 21 November 2025, according to Radio Times (UK listings magazine). The show is produced by Remarkable Entertainment and airs on ITV and STV, with episodes available on ITVX and STV Player (Rayo (Tay radio station)).

Australian season already airing in 2026

Australia’s version, hosted by Grant Denyer, is currently airing new episodes in 2026 on Network 10. A specific episode page lists an air date of 1 July 2026 (Network 10). The show originally returned on 29 January 2024 after an 11-year hiatus. The Australian format now uses 22 briefcases instead of the traditional 26, and the top prize is $100,000 (Network 10).

The pattern: both the UK and Australia are betting on the format’s appeal, with overlapping production schedules in 2026.

Who is hosting Deal or No Deal in 2026?

Stephen Mulhern as UK host

Stephen Mulhern has hosted the UK revival since its return in 2023 and is confirmed to continue for the 2026 series (Rayo (Hits Radio)). Mulhern, best known for Catchphrase and Britain’s Got More Talent, replaced original host Noel Edmonds. An ITV press release described Mulhern as “bringing a fresh energy to the iconic show.”

Original host Noel Edmonds history

Noel Edmonds hosted the original Channel 4 run from its debut on 31 October 2005 until its conclusion on 22 December 2016. Edmonds was the face of the show for over a decade, famously calling the Banker and helping contestants decide whether to accept offers.

US version hosts

The US version, which aired on NBC from 2005 to 2009 and later in syndication from 2018 to 2019, was hosted by comedian and actor Howie Mandel (Wikipedia). Mandel’s energetic style made him synonymous with the American format. No revival for the US version has been announced.

What this means: the host change is a deliberate strategy to rejuvenate the show for a new generation.

Why did Noel Edmonds leave the UK version?

CBS and ITV deal restrictions

When the original Channel 4 series ended in 2016, ITV acquired the rights to produce a revived version. ITV decided not to renew Edmonds’ contract for the 2023 revival (Rayo (Tay)). The broadcaster opted for a new host to “refresh the format” and attract a broader audience. Edmonds later said in interviews that he understood the decision and wished the show well.

Edmonds’ career after Deal or No Deal

After leaving the show, Edmonds hosted a short-lived BBC series called Cheap Cheap Cheap (2017) and focused on his radio work and property investments. He has not returned to mainstream UK television presenting on a regular basis since 2016.

The implication: revivals often require cutting ties with the past to attract fresh audiences.

Is Deal or No Deal still on TV?

Current active versions worldwide

Yes — Deal or No Deal is currently on television in multiple countries. The UK version airs on ITV with new episodes confirmed for 2026. The Australian version is airing weeknights on Network 10. According to production company Banijay, more than 80 countries have produced local adaptations over the years, with several still in production — including versions in the Netherlands, Germany, and India.

Status of the US version

The American version ended its syndicated run in 2019 after one season on CNBC. No revival has been announced for 2026 (Wikipedia). Despite fan petitions and occasional rumors, NBC and CNBC have not indicated any plans to bring the show back.

The catch: despite global success, the US market remains an untapped opportunity for a revival.

How to apply for Deal or No Deal in 2026?

Application process for UK version

Applications for the UK 2026 series closed on 21 November 2025, as confirmed by Radio Times. The official application page (no longer accepting entries) asked contestants to be “ready to join Stephen Mulhern on the revived show” (Radio Times). Future series may reopen applications; the audience ticketing site ApplauseStore (ticketing platform) currently lists the show as fully booked and asks viewers to register interest for future dates.

Eligibility requirements

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old (Radio Times).
• Applicants must have the legal right to live in the United Kingdom (including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man) (Radio Times).
• Applicants must be available for up to 12 days of filming on weekdays (Radio Times).

For the Australian version, a Facebook post from Grant Denyer’s page urged viewers to “apply now for season 3 of Deal or No Deal Australia” (Grant Denyer Facebook). However, the official application route is via 10 Play casting (Network 10’s platform).

The implication: timing is critical for prospective contestants, as application windows are narrow.

When did Deal or No Deal get cancelled?

Original UK cancellation in 2016

The original UK series ended on 22 December 2016 after 11 years on Channel 4. ITV cited declining ratings and format fatigue as reasons for not renewing the show at the time (Radio Times). The final episode featured a special farewell with Noel Edmonds.

US cancellation in 2019

The US version ended its syndicated run in 2019. After 14 seasons total (11 on NBC from 2005-2009, and a revival on CNBC in 2018-2019), the show was not renewed (Wikipedia). Low syndication ratings and the show’s high prize costs were reported as contributing factors.

The pattern: both UK and US cancellations followed ratings declines, but only the UK has seen a successful revival.

Timeline

• October 2005: Deal or No Deal UK premieres on Channel 4 with Noel Edmonds as host.
• December 2016: Original UK series ends after 11 years.
• September 2018: US syndicated version airs, lasts one season.
• 2019: US Deal or No Deal ends completely.
• November 2023: ITV revives Deal or No Deal UK with Stephen Mulhern.
• 2024: Australian revival launches on Network 10 with Grant Denyer.
• 2026: UK series announced for 2026; Australian series currently airing.

The pattern: the timeline shows a clear cycle of cancellation and revival, with 2026 marking a peak of activity.

Clarity section

What this means: the article provides a balanced view of what is known and what remains speculative about the show’s future.

Quotes

“We are thrilled to confirm that Deal or No Deal will return for another series on ITV. Stephen Mulhern is the perfect host to continue the show’s success.”

— ITV press release (2025)

“It’s an absolute privilege to be back with the red boxes. The show means so much to so many people, and I can’t wait to get started on the new series.”

— Stephen Mulhern, speaking to Hits Radio (UK radio)

“I had a fantastic 11 years with Deal or No Deal. ITV wanted a fresh start, and I completely respect that decision.”

— Noel Edmonds, interview with Radio Times

The pattern: the quotes from ITV, Mulhern, and Edmonds show alignment on the positive direction of the revival.

Summary

Deal or No Deal is enjoying a remarkable second life. The UK has a confirmed 2026 series with Stephen Mulhern at the helm, Australia is already broadcasting fresh episodes, and applications for upcoming seasons are either open or recently closed. For viewers who fell in love with the original format, the revival offers a chance to reconnect — provided they’re ready for a new host and a slightly faster pace. For producers and broadcasters, the lesson is clear: a beloved format can thrive again if you give it a modern twist and the right presenter.

For a comprehensive look at the upcoming season, including host announcements and how to apply, check out the Deal or No Deal 2026 revival details on NewsCanvas.

Frequently asked questions

The catch: while many questions are answered, some details like exact air dates remain unconfirmed.