manchester showbiz
Wednesday, 22nd March 2006
Noel Edmonds 'set for TV deal' BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT: EdmondsThe star's hit show Deal or No Deal has proved a ratings winner, and has now been commissioned to run until the end of 2007. Edmonds - whose last series Noel's House Party was axed in 1999 - has won rave reviews for his performances hosting the big money show. Deal or No Deal has attracted five million viewers with its high tension format and £250,000 top prize. Edmonds, 57, is in talks about his new contract for hosting the show. Edmonds spokesman Mark Borkowski said reports Edmonds had signed a £3 million contract were "grossly exaggerated", but confirmed the host was in talks about a deal. The former Multicoloured Swap Shop presenter is understood to be looking for a figure to put him on a par with stars such as Countdown host Des Lynham. Schedule Mr Borkowski said: "Part of the problem with Deal or No Deal is how hard and punishing the schedule is. "There is talk of it going out twice a day during the World Cup as something for non-football fans to watch. "The negotiations that are going on at the moment are in some way to address the punishing schedule." Mr Borkowski said Edmonds was one of the hardest working men on British television, fronting the show six times a week, but considered himself lucky to have been given the chance of a comeback. He said: "What Noel is saying is that he prays to the gods of television every day and gives his thanks. "All the negativity at the end of Noel's House Party does not compare to the joy he is getting out of this. "Noel loves being back on the television and fronting a show people are enjoying. "He is very philosophical about it - he has been up and down and up again. It's been a real roller coaster ride." A spokeswoman for Endemol UK, which makes the show, said they were "delighted" with its success and added: "Noel is a great host."
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