Joe Manganiello to host upcoming NBC spinoff ‘Deal or No Deal Island’.Photo:Patrick Ecclesine/NBC
Patrick Ecclesine/NBC
Howie Mandelis passing theDeal or No Dealbriefcase to none other thanJoe Manganiello!
NBCannouncedon Wednesday that theMagic Mikeactor, 46, will make his game show debut as host of the upcomingDeal or No Deal Islandspinoff, set to premiere sometime in 2024.
Ateaser videoshows longtime host Mandel, 67, literally passing the torch to Manganiello after jokingly explaining that he cannot host the show on “an undisclosed island location a world away from civilization” when he’s a self-proclaimed germaphobe and there will be bugs and snakes.
That’s when he begins to list off the qualifications they’re looking for in a new host: “Someone adventurous, someone who loves games, someone who’s good looking like me.”
“Not your average Joe…” he teases right before Manganiello dramatically appears into frame.
After Manganiello accepts the “deal” to hostDeal or No Dealin the classic game show fashion, Mandel hands him the briefcase, which has plane tickets, masks, gloves and ointment, according to the comedian.
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According to apress releasefrom NBC,Deal or No Deal Islandis “a spin on the classic game where 13 players are transported to the elusive Banker’s private island to compete for cash in a season-long, fully immersive competition.”
While contestants will no longer compete on a soundstage, they will still have to endure “thrilling challenges” and “mind-bending dilemmas” in their endeavors “to beat the banker” for what is potentially the biggest cash prize in the show’s history, per the release.
He added, “When we took the show out of the studio and transported the game to the Banker’s island, Joe was the obvious choice. He loves all kinds of games, lives for adventure and isn’t afraid to stare down a snake or two to help players win a life-changing payday and, hopefully, beat the Banker at his own game.”
Joe Manganiello.David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty
TheTrue Bloodalum is taking the reins from Mandel, who also happens to judgeAmerica’s Got Talentalongside Manganiello’s ex,Sofïa Vergara.
In July, Manganiellofiled for divorcefrom theModern Familystar, 51, after seven years of marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
A source told PEOPLE at the time that the couple had been going through “ups and downs for a long time,” though they “always put on a good front publicly.”
As the former couple finalize their divorce, a source recently told PEOPLE that Manganiello isofficially “dating”Winning Timeactress and modelCaitlin O’Connorafter theyfirst metearlier this month at a small, “unofficial” post-premiere party for theHBO drama about the Los Angeles Lakers' ’80s heyday.
“They’re both really funny together. He laughs at her a lot because she’ll crack these witty jokes,” the insider shared. “She’s really witty. So sweet and smart. And he’s cool. He’s cool as s—.”
source: people.com
