The return date of the iconic ITV game show has been confirmed – and it’s sooner than we think

The return date of an iconic ITV game show has finally been confirmed – the reboot will air in just days.

Deal Or No Deal returns to TV screens later this month, led by new presenter Stephen Mulhern, who takes over from Noel Edmonds.

The programme, which airs on ITV1 and ITVX, sees contestants compete against the infamous banker for the chance to win a life-changing cash prize, in a nail-biting game of nerves and intuition.

Deal Or No Deal handed out £40 million in profits from its first episode in 2005 to its conclusion in August 2016 after 13 series.

And the first episode of the rebooted series airs on Monday, November 20 at 4pm on ITV1.

Big return: a rebooted Deal Or No Deal will be broadcast on November 20 with a new presenter and new studio

The format will remain largely the same, but will have a new host and new studio. The prize money has also been reduced from £250,000 to £100,000.

Every week a participant is confronted with 22 sealed boxes, each containing a different amount of money.

Without knowing what each box contains, the player must remove the boxes, which are opened one by one to reveal the amount of money inside.

The pressure mounts as the player is tempted by the infamous banker to accept an offer of cash in exchange for what might be inside the box.

As long as the larger cash prizes are not chosen, the banker’s offers will become higher. But that could all change in an instant when a big cash prize is revealed.

An insider said The sun rather: ‘It’s a strange sign of the times, but times are tough for ITV, as they are for every other company up and down the country, and £100,000 is still a lot of money these days.

‘Also, Deal or No Deal was never about the win, it was always about the game and the camaraderie between the participants, with some happy to walk away with nothing… or in some cases just 1 cent.’

Stephen said: ‘Wow, what an opportunity, I’m beyond excited to host the brand new series.

Back on the box: Stephen Mulhern, 46, will host the iconic game show six years after it was axed from Channel 4

Throwback: Deal Or No Deal was previously directed by Noel Edmonds, from its first episode in 2005 to its conclusion in August 2016 after 13 series

‘I’ve always been such a big fan of the show, so much so that I’ve been practicing at home with little boxes of cereal!

“It looks so simple, but it’s an incredibly compelling game for both the players and the viewers watching at home.

“It’s one of the greatest shows of all time and to be the new host is an honor! I can’t wait to get started.’

Tamara Gilder, Joint Managing Director of producer Remarkable Entertainment, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing back Deal or No Deal.

‘It is an iconic format, but now on a new channel with a new, fantastic presenter. We also have a new banker, but I’m afraid he’s even more terrible than the last one.’

Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, added: ‘Deal or No Deal is such an iconic format and we’re thrilled to see it join the ITV family.

“Stephen’s infectious warmth and humor, combined with his natural connection with the audience, are the perfect combination for this beloved TV series.”

Presenter Stephen is best known as frontman of In For A Penny and Catchphrase, and is a key part of ITV’s Saturday Night Takeaway team.

Deal or No Deal, which aired for over a decade, initially proved a hit, but viewership declined in the last few series.

At its peak in 2006, the series attracted more than three million, but by the end of the series it was attracting around 300,000 viewers per episode.

From 2005, Noel presented almost 3,000 episodes of the show, in which contestants win prize money by choosing from 22 red boxes of different amounts.

He handed out £40 million in winnings, although only eight entrants got the £250,000 jackpot.

Before the ax in 2016, Noel said in a newspaper interview: ‘I don’t know if it will be re-recorded – when it’s over I’ll have had a sensational ten years.’

Jay Hunt, Channel 4’s then chief creative officer, said at the time: ‘I remember watching the launch of Deal Or No Deal and watching it grow into a hit that captivated audiences for over a decade.

‘Much of the credit for that goes to Noel and his exceptional presentation.’

Deal Or No Deal returns on Monday, November 20 at 4pm on ITV1.

Gameplay: The program airs on ITV1 and ITVX and sees contestants compete against the infamous banker for the chance to win a life-changing cash prize (Stephen pictured on ITV’s Catchphrase: Catchiest Moments)