Chat Ed : Hello and welcome to our live webchat with the legend that is, Noel Edmonds! Noel is back on our screens with the hugely successful Deal or No Deal game show where contestants can win big money prizes.
Noel Edmonds : Hello everyone. We've just completed a show featuring Raj and it was depressing in some respects, because he won just 10p! So hopefully tomorrow we will be back up to big sums of money, but it was extraordinarily exciting TV.
Sonia : no question, just wanted to say how glad we all are to see you back on telly and with such a great show as well!
Paulyg : Noel, its great to have you back on our screens - finally!! You’re doing a great job and the show is amazing!
Dogbomb : Noel, today was a sad episode. I'm speechless :(
Kazza : wat did u think about tonight’s show?
Natalied : noel noel! we love raj
Noel Edmonds : A big thank you to everybody who has been sending me such warm messages of ‘welcome back’ - it's an incredibly exciting format and I'm really pleased that I accepted the offer from Channel 4. Please keep watching. Kazza, it was particularly painful for everyone in the studio because Raj had been such a tremendous support for all the other players and we really wanted him to have a strong game.
Gem : do you really speak to someone when the banker rings??
Dogbomb : Noel, What is "the banker" like in reality? Is he jolly? Angry? Humorous? have you ever socialised with "the banker"? What's he like then?
Noel Edmonds : Heheh, firstly, The Banker is a real person! I am now being asked all the time whether there is somebody on the phone and I've been accused of pretending that I'm talking to nobody. The truth is that The Banker is a very dry, extremely astute number cruncher. He watches the player very closely and obviously wants them to go away with as little money as possible. He is not somebody I would wish to socialise with.
Martin Mac : What's it like getting back onto mainstream TV after a few years in the media wilderness (excuse the description)
Noel Edmonds : Hi Martin, you're forgiven ;) My decision to leave television presenting was something that I never ever thought I would reverse and I didn't actually feel as if I was in any wilderness, or indeed any desert, but had decided to take a different journey with my life. However Channel 4 were very persistent and very kindly made it impossible for me to decline the opportunity. So, whereas at first, when I, somewhat foolishly said, "No deal" it was then "Deal" and I'm having the time of my life.
Bal : Why isn't the show on later? I've not enjoyed a show like this for a long while
Lea20 : Has the show got any plans to screen at a later time as its proven so popular?
Noel Edmonds : Ask Channel 4! The show is proving incredibly popular and is doing a very important job for Channel 4 daytime. Countdown is now getting very strong figures with Des and we are peaking at over 3.6 million viewers for Deal, which is unheard of. I don't know what Channel 4's plans are for the future.
Maxxor : Why do you think the show has been so popular?
Noel Edmonds : I am certain its popularity is linked to its simplicity. It is a very honest format, allowing real people, interesting people, to win life-changing sums of money. Its success is not dependent upon education or social status or geographic location. Anyone can play, as we have proved, and anyone can win. In that regard I think it is the perfect television format.
no1 noel fan : is deal or no deal a stressful game show for you to host? it seems it for the audience and players
Noel Edmonds : Yes! I become totally immersed in the game play. I feel real disappointment when we have a situation such as the game we've just completed with Raj. It's in my nature to want everybody to win the big money, even if that would not win the approval of Channel 4! It's also an interesting challenge for a presenter because I can go anywhere in the studio and have no idea what happens next and there most definitely is no script. This is why people are increasingly describing it not as a game show but as entertainment drama.
dogbomb : Noel, have YOU played a round of "Deal or no Deal"? If not, how do you think you would play it? Are you a gambler?
Noel Edmonds : Yes, when I was invited to consider hosting the show I played the game with the production team and I actually decided to Deal when I received a fantastic offer of £46,000. In fact I dealt too soon and could have won over £100,000, so that shows you just how smart I am!
Christoph : Noel, you are a successful businessman with a fair amount of money, what was your motivation to go back to television?
Noel Edmonds : Fun! I always said that if I were to resume my television presenting career it would have to be with an innovative and challenging format. Deal or No Deal is both.
Dogbomb : Noel, that game is ALL about the characters. Which contestant has had the most lasting impression on you so far.
Noel Edmonds : You are right to identify that the game is primarily about the people. Yes it's true, it is a big money game, but it's also about character and personality. And without exception I have really enjoyed the company of every single player. At this stage I don't think it would be fair to single out any one player as they have all been so important to the success of the show.
Blobby : do you miss me?
Noel Edmonds laughs
Noel Edmonds : Wow! How are you? Where are you? And please go away!
Edmiller : Do you think there is a strategy to playing deal or no deal or does it all come down to luck?
Noel Edmonds : Obviously the selection of the money is entirely at random so in that sense the game is about luck, however the attitude of the player and their ability to time perfectly their decision to deal is crucial to their success. Also we have seen players who become seduced by the large sums of money and unfortunately sometimes go away with very little. I try and encourage people to remember we are playing for real money that can really improve and enhance their lives.
Lori : Are you going to do a celebrity deal or no deal show?
Noel Edmonds : This has been suggested, but, for the moment, I would doubt it. Remember our players all live together in a hotel nearby until they have the chance to play the game. So sometimes they are with us for many weeks. The relationship they establish is fundamental to the unique atmosphere that we create and I suspect that a celebrity edition would fail to generate such an atmosphere. Also, it is still early days for the show and we are having phenomenal success by just keeping it honest, true and simple.
BA: Have you though of putting a jack-in-the box in one or two of them, just to ease the pressure!
Noel Edmonds : I like the idea! And in some countries they do actually put different objects in the boxes. As I've already said we keep it very simple and I think this is why it has been so successful.
lea20 : How long has the show planned to go on for?
Noel Edmonds : The initial run is 66 shows. And at 6 per week I will leave you to do the mathematics. However, do look out for an announcement very soon from Channel 4.
Samharrow : Did you see any of the foreign versions of DOND before you accepted the job? What were they like?
Noel Edmonds : Yes Sam, I actually saw the French version and to be honest that was the reason why, initially, I didn't immediately say yes. Not because there's anything wrong with the way that the French produce the format, but it's a very different style of show to the one that has been created for Great Britain. In some countries the show runs for up to two hours and is a big, light entertainment extravaganza. Again I believe that the production team’s decision to keep the U.K. version very simple and easy to follow and dramatic is the reason why it has had huge instant success.
Jen Hi Noel! : If you were playing, how much would your minimum amount be?
Noel Edmonds : I have learnt that you must never set a cash target - the majority of players who do this end up being very disappointed. So I would come to the game with an open mind and simply focus upon beating The Banker.
Jazzy Jane : Noel can you tell us a secret about the banker.?
Noel Edmonds laughs. We are buying him a can of Lynx for Christmas - enough said!
Mike : How many shows do you film in one day?
Noel Edmonds : The shows are recorded in Bristol and we film 3 per day. In fact in 15 minutes time we will be starting the 2nd show.
Marg : Noel, how do you become a contestant? The game is so compelling that I am compelled to watch it every afternoon
Noel Edmonds : If you go to channel4.com/deal there are details there, Marg.
Chat Ed Our half hour is almost up, last few questions now...
Yorkie : do you all go for a drink afterwards?
Noel Edmonds : We've been out for a curry and indeed this evening the team are all going out for a meal in Bristol. In fact, I have to say, it's one of the most professional and happiest teams I've ever worked with in television.
Nick : I love the show as much as i do because it's so easy to share the emotions of the player. i feel like crying when they do, cheering when they do etc. do you feel this as the host? do you want to jump for joy when players win big sums?
Noel Edmonds : Absolutely. I become totally engrossed in the game play and as affected by the atmosphere as anybody. I simply want to see people win as much money as possible and of course, have a great time. As I keep saying, this is a unique show where the player is the star and I always want them to enjoy their 45 minutes of fame.
Paul : And there's no gunge tank ANYWHERE?
Noel Edmonds : Heheh, Correct!
Loza : noel, do you actually know wot amounts of money are in the boxes??
Noel Edmonds : Absolutely not. As I say in every show, an independent adjudicator seals the boxes, indeed I don't even know the identity of the adjudicator!
Alan : If the BBC offered you to come back for "noel's house party" would 'deal or no deal?'
Noel Edmonds : No Deal!
Bryan : Do you think Deal or No Deal will attain the kind of cult status amongst students like Countdown has? My girlfriend and me are students and we watch religiously every day!
Noel Edmonds : Judging by the reaction of students from Bristol University, who we regularly have in the audience, I'm well aware of its instant popularity and I have a strong suspicion that Deal or No Deal could be an enduring format.
Jazzy Jane : Thanks Noel for answering my question best of luck with the show
Frank : I love your facial hair Noel.
Em : I love you Noel
debsmccartney : Bye Noel. Love You Loads xx
bob : good luck with the shows
Jack : Bye Noel - take care
jarv : you rock!!
Dan : Cheers Noel, all the best!
sam : by Noel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we love you
sophie : take care, bye xx
Ruthie : bye Noel, take care
Noel Edmonds : As I hope people appreciate from how I've been answering, I'm really enjoying this incredible show. I love being back on television and it's great to be part of such a success for Channel 4. Please keep watching, I'm off to record another show.
Ron : Bye Noel
Noel Edmonds leaves the room
