Deal or No Deal Host Stephen Mulhern Lifts Lid on Mysterious Banker Identity
One of television's most enduring mysteries has been partially unveiled as Deal or No Deal presenter Stephen Mulhern has shared intriguing details about the elusive figure known only as 'The Banker'. The enigmatic voice that tempts contestants with life-changing offers has fascinated viewers since the show's inception, with many questioning whether there's actually someone on the other end of the iconic red telephone.
Fan Inquiry Prompts Revelatory Response
A curious viewer took to social media platform X to directly question Mulhern about the Banker's authenticity, writing: "Been watching Deal or No Deal (and love you!) but have always wanted to know/ask and I'm sure you've answered this a thousand times - but is there actually someone on the end of the phone? And if so, is it a genuine banker or someone on production?"
Mulhern responded by retweeting the message and providing a surprising clarification: "Hello, it is the actual banker. It's not a producer on the end of the phone." However, the host then revealed the extent of the mystery by admitting he has never actually met the individual behind the voice.
"I've been told he does the show and leaves and I have never met him," Mulhern elaborated. "I don't even know if he's in the same building!"
Viewer Theories and Production Mysteries
The revelation sparked a flurry of speculation among fans, with many offering their own theories about the Banker's true identity. One viewer suggested: "Yeah but it's obviously someone that works for ITV. It's not gonna be the manager of Lloyd's on the phone."
Other humorous suggestions included speculation that the voice belongs to television personalities Ant or Dec, or even politician Rachel Reeves. Meanwhile, technical questions emerged about how the Banker's voice is transmitted without being picked up by studio microphones, with one fan asking: "How come their voice doesn't get picked up on your mic? Genuine question."
Show History and Previous Incarnations
The popular game show made its highly anticipated return to television screens in 2024 after an eight-year absence, with Stephen Mulhern taking over hosting duties from original presenter Noel Edmonds. The programme originally aired on Channel 4 for ten successful years before being axed, with Edmonds becoming synonymous with the format.
While several aspects of the show have evolved for its ITV revival, the tense telephone exchanges between presenter and mysterious Banker have remained a constant and compelling feature. Interestingly, it has now emerged that the Banker role in the current revival was previously filled by actor Glenn Hugill, who maintained the position for approximately one year following ITV's relaunch.
Hugill is perhaps best recognised for his portrayal of Alan McKenna in Coronation Street between 1996 and 1997, adding another layer of intrigue to the Banker's theatrical persona. The enduring secrecy surrounding the Banker's identity continues to be a talking point among dedicated viewers, with Mulhern's latest comments only deepening the mystery rather than solving it completely.
The combination of genuine banking professional involvement and theatrical presentation creates a unique dynamic that has contributed significantly to the show's lasting appeal and cultural impact.
