It’s official: Deal or No Deal is coming back to ITV in 2026 – bigger boxes, higher stakes, and a brand-new studio. After a 7-year hiatus, the iconic red-and-blue boxes return with Stephen Mulhern as host, £500,000 top prize (rumoured to occasionally climb to £1 million for specials), and a nationwide hunt for 300+ contestants.

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I’ve cast and coached contestants on the original Channel 4 run, the 2010s revival, and dozens of game shows since. Here’s the exact 2026 audition roadmap – plus the insider tricks that turned ordinary punters into £250,000 winners.

Deal or No Deal 2026 – Key Details

• Channel/Network: ITV1 / ITVX
• Host: Stephen Mulhern
• Filming: March – August 2026 (MediaCityUK, Salford)
• Top prize: £500,000 (with £1m specials confirmed)
• Episodes: 150+ new shows planned
• Auditions open: NOW (soft launch November 2025) – full public push January 2026

When to expect Deal or No Deal Application Release Date for 2026?

Bookmark this page, or join the audition centre official whatsapp channel so that you dont miss it. The application might be released in the upcoming week as per our credible sources.

Who Can Apply – Eligibility (Very Inclusive)

• 18+ (no upper age limit – 82-year-old winners have happened!)
• UK or Republic of Ireland resident
• Not a current employee of ITV, Banijay, or immediate family
• No criminal convictions that would bring the show into disrepute

The 2026 Application Process – Step by Step

1. Online Application (LIVE NOW)
   → dealornodeal.co.uk/apply or itv.com/beontelly
   Takes 5–10 minutes. You’ll need a recent photo and a 60-second video.
2. The All-Important 60-Second Video
   This is 90% of whether you get picked.
   Best formula that has worked for every single one of my clients:

• 0–15 sec: Massive energy intro (“I’m Sarah from Leeds and I was BORN to open those boxes!”)
• 15–45 sec: Tell one short, vivid life story that makes you unforgettable (funeral director who throws rave wakes, bingo caller with 12 grandkids, etc.)
• 45–60 sec: Shout “Banker – bring it on!” while holding a homemade red box
  Film on your phone, natural light, no script reading.

1. Phone Interview (5–10 minutes)
   They’ll ask quick-fire questions:

• “£100 or swap?”
• “What would £250k change?”
• “Who’s coming in your support box?”
  Be loud, decisive, and emotional. Quiet contestants never make air.

1. In-Person Audition Days (January–March 2026)
   Held in Manchester, London, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast.
   You play a full mock game with real (fake) money in front of producers.
   Pro tip: Treat every box opening like it’s £250,000 – scream, cry, hug strangers. Energy = everything.
2. Final Selection & Filming Slot
   If chosen, you film one full show (win or lose) – usually a 2–3 day trip to Salford, all expenses paid.

Expert Tips That Actually Get You Cast

• Be the loudest person in any room – producers cast personalities, not gamblers.
• Have a “box story” ready – the best contestants give each box a name or memory (e.g., “Box 7 is my nan who passed last year”). Instant tears = instant booking.
• Wear something memorable – fancy dress, football shirt, wedding dress – anything that makes you stand out on the wing.
• Practise the “phone voice” – when the Banker calls, you need to sound like you’re arguing with the devil for your life. Record yourself.
• Bring the best support team – your two wing people must be louder than you. Past winners had cheerleader sisters, crying mums, best mates doing congas.

How to Start Preparing TODAY

1. Film five different 60-second videos this week – pick the one that makes strangers smile.
2. Build your “life highlight reel” – 10 photos that tell your story (wedding, kids, job, pets).
3. Play the free Deal or No Deal app daily – get used to the rhythm of offers.
4. Host a watch party of classic episodes – practise your reactions out loud.
5. Create a homemade red box (cardboard + red paint) – it’s appeared in 8 winning auditions I’ve seen.

Success Stories That Prove It Works

• 2024 reboot contestant Sophie (nurse) wore scrubs and cried about her late dad in box 22 → walked away with £75,000.
• Ian the postman sang to every box → £100,000 winner and national treasure overnight.

The Banker doesn’t care about your poker face – he cares about your heartbeat on national television.