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Numbers game has the sweetest Deal

A new hit game show on the Channel 5 block has twenty-six gorgeous models in equally gorgeous threads. Twenty-six reasons, therefore, to watch Deal Or No Deal. Besides the thrill and drama of the money chase, of course. And to see if anyone really does end up going home with the top prize of $250,000 after the show.

This afternoon, MediaCorp presented their upcoming new Channel 5 game show Deal Or No Deal in a press conference. Already a hit in more than 50 countries, Singapore is the 55th and the 8th in Asia to have its own version. We already smell a hit. Here’s even better news: you won’t have to wait for long. The fun will begin a fortnight later on May 13, Sunday at 8.30pm. Subsequently, it will be telecast every Wednesday at 8.30pm.

The game works like this: contestants deal for that one chance they might make away with the grand $250,000 loot. It’s simple: presented with 26 briefcases, each containing varying cash amounts ranging from $1 to $250,000, the contestant picks one that he thinks contains the top prize. His briefcase stays sealed, but the contestant must open the remaining 25 briefcases in stages. Here and there, a mysterious banker (whose identity will never be revealed) is watching the show. At predetermined intervals in the show, he will make an attempt to tempt the contestant with some money in exchange for what's in the contestant’s chosen briefcase. As each briefcase is opened, the odds of having the top prize money in his briefcase fluctuates. The good: at the end of the show, the contestant would definitely win money. The bad: it might be just a buck — just enough to take the bus home after that one fateful shot at fortune. Still confused Find out more.

Their case(s) are numbered

Also revealed at the press conference were the identities of the 26 models who look fabulous on television, look equally gorgeous offstage, and don’t stop looking gorgeous even when they’re snacking on food in between answering questions. They will each take charge of a silver numbered briefcase containing that elusive amount of money — only one auditor knows how much money ended up with whom — and only opening it up to reveal its monetary value when chosen by the contestant. Most of them are, well, models. Their claims to fame range from the common (appearing on magazine covers — from this, you can guess how good they must look) to the unexpected (Red Bull La Formula Una winner) to plain quirky (being a bunny on Malay children’s programme Aksi Mat Yo Yo as a kid?). When they appeared on the platform, all wearing the same exact uniform (today, it’s a slinky green asymmetrical dress), we can’t help but think, this can be the ONLY one situation where a lady can end up wearing the same dress as 25 other women at the same event — and not feel lousy. Behind them, a utopian backdrop of our cityscape aglow soaked up the lights and the wondrous sight of these 26 models posing on the steps with a briefcase, each looking deadly gorgeous… for yet another day of their lives that they look fabulous. And we’re told there are two equally head-turning number-turners sitting on the reserve bench too. No wonder host Adrian Pang looked so happy to have these models magically appear from backstage soon as he belted two magic words: “Oh ladies!” To hear and see them coo back “Hi, Adrian”, it is as if Charlie’s Angels somehow evaded space and time to find its way to modern-day Singapore. And having bumped up the eye candy count at that (Did we hear someone say ‘package deal?’). We were touched to hear Adrian marvel at the sight before him: “Every evening, somehow, I have to carry on with the show after that.” Someone, count the number of ways guys out there are jealous. The answer, we think, is at least “26”. Deal with it. Be glad you own a television set. Here's your sneak peek at the models!

OF COURSE... Adrian isn't one of the models, but he's certainly a happy host!

Do you feel like a million bucks? Or $250,000? Check the latest stats as Deal Or No Deal premieres on May 13, Sunday @ 8.30pm. Check back at channel5.com.sg for even more behind-the-scenes pictures of the 26 models!