Stephen Mulhern landed the gig of a lifetime after being asked to host the rebooted series of Deal Or No Deal, and when we catch up with the star to chat about his high-profile role, he can barely contain his excitement.
The popular TV host will helm the new version of the much-loved series previously hosted by Noel Edmonds, before being axed by Channel 4 in 2016 - when it returns on ITV1 later this year.
"I'm over the moon," he tells OK!.
"When they said they were thinking of bringing it back and asked me to film the pilot, I didn't hesitate." But what of his predecessor, Noel? Did he offer any words of encouragement when he found out Stephen was taking over?
"Noel Edmonds was so courteous, because he sent over a message to Good Morning Britain saying something along the lines of, 'Having had 10 amazing years at the helm of Deal Or No Deal, I can't see anyone better stepping into my shoes than Stephen.' He didn't need to say that it's great," he says. "If we even have half the time that Noel had, we're laughing."
After successfully relaunching Catchphrase in 2013, Stephen is no stranger to fronting nostalgic TV shows.
"The audience at home feel safe with the show that they used to know and used to love," says Stephen, 46. "Although [Deal Or No Deal] did so amazingly well on Channel 4, we're bringing it to ITV1 and to a whole new audience, too - kids who have never seen it, adults who have never seen it. I think it's got a real chance." Hilariously, Stephen also jokes that it could help build bridges between the UK and a certain California-based royal.
Referring to the Duchess of Sussex's stint as one of the "briefcase girls" on the US version of Deal Or No Deal, Stephen says, "Tell Meghan Markle to come and open one of my boxes! If Meghan wants to come, I'm personally inviting her now, 'Look, come back to the UK, do Deal Or No Deal, and it will be great for everyone!"" Stranger things have happened,
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 8, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 8, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Cheesy does it
These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is
I love the process of applying full glam'
Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event