Rumours swirl around Deal or No Deal reboot
While Deal or no Deal may return, it is unlikely the former host Andrew O'Keefe will. Photo: TND/AAP/Getty
Network Ten has reportedly signed up to reboot a game show made famous by a rival network – but there will be changes, including the host.
Reports began swirling this week that Deal or No Deal, which was a hit for the Seven Network from 2003 to 2013, is to be rebooted by rival Ten.
Ten did not confirm or deny the reports when contacted by The New Daily. But TV networks regularly pilot shows and formats throughout the year before committing to a longer run.
TV Blackbox & McKnight Tonight podcast host Robert McKnight reported that EndemolShine, the production company behind programs such as MasterChef and Australian Survivor, had pitched a Deal or No Deal meets Survivor show, where contestants would have to find hidden suitcases on an island.
Sources told McKnight while an American network had picked up the crossover idea, Ten was sticking closer to the original game show.
The Project, which remains mired in low ratings despite a fresh set of hosts, will reportedly be safe in its 6.30pm time slot with the Deal or No Deal reboot expected to air for half an hour from 6pm weeknights.
Controversial host
But even if the show is revived, its original host Andrew O’Keefe is unlikely to be brought on board.
Once a fixture of Australian TV, O’Keefe has been a troubled figure in recent years, after being accused of domestic violence in 2021.
Although the charges against him were eventually dismissed on mental health grounds, O’Keefe’s legal woes have continued.
He has faced charges such as resisting police and drug possession, and this month he faced court for an alleged breach of an apprehended violence order, where he told the judge it would be his “sincere endeavour” to abstain from illicit drugs.
Andrew O’Keefe pleaded guilty to breaching a court order. Photo: AAP
There is no information available about who O’Keefe’s Deal or No Deal host replacement may be.
The original show was cancelled due to lack of audience interest, but this year Samsung Electronics Australia rolled out a channel dedicated to Deal or No Deal episodes on Samsung TVs.
The local reports also come as a reboot of the British version of Deal or No Deal, which ran from 2005 to 2016, has been confirmed.
The reboot will feature a network switch from Channel 4 to ITV, and a change of hosts from Noel Edmonds to Stephen Mulhern.