Deal or No Deal player Kev took on The Banker today (January 6), using numbers given to him by his youngest daughter Niamh, 11.
Kev, who is a policeman, explained to host Stephen Mulhern that Niamh was a big fan of his and had written him a letter. He also explained that Niamh has recently finished cancer treatment.
Deal or No Deal player Kev reveals daughter’s cancer diagnosis
Kev told Stephen: “My youngest girl, Niamh, who’s 11, she’s a fan of yours and she’s wrote you a letter. You mean quite a lot to her.”
He then went on to explain that she had been diagnosed with leukemia when she was aged six. Kev said: “When Niamh was six years old she was diagnosed with leukemia. So we, yeah, had to go through three years worth of chemotherapy. And, ultimately, at that point, we didn’t know if she was going to get through it or not. So it was a tough time for us as a family.”
He then shared that it was Niamh who encouraged him to apply for Deal or No Deal. “So Niamh is the one who’s encouraged me to do this game. She said: ‘Daddy, are you going to apply?'”
Kev then appeared to choke up as a picture of Niamh appeared on screen. “There she is, ringing the bell.” He then told Stephen: “She’s got a little badge in there for you, it symbolises children’s cancer awareness.”
Stephen then promised: “Niamh, I shall read your letter after the show and I will reply without fail.”
Later in the show, Kev shared more about how Niamh is doing now. “She’s doing exceptionally well, she’s just started senior school, and it just makes you appreciate things, of how lucky we are to be here.”
Viewers react
Fans of the show were all rooting for Kev to do well, especially after he shared that he’d have a family holiday with his winnings and split the rest between Niamh and his eldest daughter Izzy, 18, who had just joined the police. They also shared that they hoped he fared better than yesterday’s player, Luke.
“So glad his daughter is okay. Hope he does well,” said one viewer. “Health = wealth,” said another. “You can just tell Kev is a good guy. Willing him on to do well!” said a third.
“10 minutes in on #DealOrNoDeal and I’m emosh. Cancer has touched my family far too much and my heart just breaks when I hear other’s stories. I lost my dad to cancer when I was 13. But I’m glad to hear she rang the bell! I hope Kev wins big!” said another.
How did Kev do on Deal or No Deal today?
The game started well for Kev, with the copper taking out the 1p box early on. Two big offers from The Banker followed, with Kev turning them both down. However, he then opened the £100k box in round three. A couple of rounds later, the £50k was taken out of the game.
With £5, £5k, £10, £25k and £75k left on the board, The Banker then offered Kev £10.5k to buy his box. After wife Victoria told Kev she’d turn the offer down if she was sat in the hot seat, Kev told The Banker: “No deal.”
Next, the £75k box was opened. In the next box, Kev opened the £25k box. The Banker then offered Kev £3,010. “Up to you,” wife Victoria said. “I’ve given you bad advice.” “No deal,” Kev told The Banker again, before opening another box. He opened box number one, following Niamh’s instructions, and took out the £5k.
Then he had to decide whether to take The Banker’s final offer of £5,050 or stick with the box he originally picked. Kev declared: “That is good,” before deciding to deal on The Banker’s offer.
Opening the box on the table in front of him, Kev revealed that if he’d have stuck with that, he’d have gone home with just £5.
“You’ve got your family, and you’ve got £5,050,” host Stephen Mulhern concluded as the show came to an emotional end.
Read more: Deal or No Deal player declares ‘I’m already rich’ as she loses out on huge jackpot
Deal or No Deal is on ITV1 weekdays at 4pm.
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