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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Hana Carter

Deal or No Deal 'to return to UK screens' amid Meghan Markle's 'bimbo' comments

Deal or No Deal is reportedly making a comeback - eight years after it was axed by Channel 4.

The daytime show, which was hosted by Noel Edmonds, was canned in 2016 but now ITV bosses are looking at giving it a revamp.

It looks unlikely that Noel Edmonds, who hosted the show, will return as producers are looking to give it a fresh feel.

This comes after its American counterpart, which is also no longer on TV, was slated by Meghan Markle.

The Duchess of Sussex was a "briefcase girl" on the show for 34 episodes between 2006 and 2007 as she tried to forge an acting career.

Noel Edmonds hosted Deal or No Deal until 2016 (Sunday Mirror)
Meghan Markle worked as a 'briefcase girl' on the American version of the show (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Speaking about her experience on her podcast "Archetypes", she said that she quit the show because she was "so much more than what was being objectified on the stage."

“I didn’t like feeling forced to be all looks and little substance, and that’s how it felt for me at the time being reduced to this specific archetype: the word ‘bimbo," she added.

Howie Mandel, who used to host the show, said that he can emphasise with her comments.

Speaking on her podcast, she has said that she felt objectified (NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
She said that she was made to feel like a 'bimbo' (NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

“I’ve never really heard anybody complain and I don’t think Meghan is complaining,” the 66-year-old told Us Weekly.

“I think Meghan just said she wanted to do more. It wasn’t fulfilling for her.”

“So I don’t know why there is a big hoopla, except I have to say that me standing there with 26 women staring at me made me feel like a bimbo,” he added.

She worked on the show between 2006 and 2007 (Spotify)

The UK version of the show - which didn't include 'briefcase girls' - saw contestants choose one of 22 boxes in the hope to walk away with the highest cash prize.

Sources have revealed that Stephen Mulhern is a popular candidate to take over the programme.

A source told The Sun : “Deal Or No Deal was absolutely huge back in the day and pulled in millions of viewers.

“There have been discussions around Noel possibly returning but ITV decided they want to give the show a completely fresh look and feel.

“Stephen has been approached about being the new host of the show which is something he is over-the-moon about."

The insider said that ITV bosses were impressed with his work on In For A Penny and Catchphrase.

Howie Mandel has defended Meghan Markle's comments (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

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Before the series came to an end, the show did a farewell tour around the country.

Speaking about the tour at the time, Noel said: “We can go anywhere and this is something I’ve wanted to do for years. Twenty-two boxes, a phone and me. Where will we pop up next?”

A year before the show finished, it was revealed that Deal Or No Deal gave away £40million in prize money.

The Mirror has approached ITV for comment.

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