Deal or No Deal viewers donate over £105K for contestant Brad
Brad has Motor Neurone Disease
Last updated 7th Dec 2023
Since it returned to our TV screens in November, Deal or No Deal has been hugely popular with ITV/STV viewers, with Stephen Mulhern hosting the show every weekday afternoon at 4pm.
Whilst a number of contestants have so far won some huge amounts of money, it was an episode last Thursday (30th November) that really pulled at the heartstrings of viewers, which featured a contestant called Brad Wale.
After Brad was picked at random to play Thursday's game, he was visibly emotional as he revealed to host Stephen that he is living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), going on to admit he'd love to win a large amount of money to tick things off his bucket list.
After admitting he likely only has a few more years left to live, Brad went on to explain he also wanted to leave some money behind for his beloved family, with his mum sat supporting him in the audience.
Despite at one stage in the game things looking like Brad could scoop a big money prize, things didn't go to plan towards the end of the show, when he turned down the banker's offer of £4, only to open his own box to find £5.
As well as the studio audience and Brad's fellow players visibly upset throughout the show, many viewers took to social media to express their heartbreak for him.
One wrote: 'Heartbreaking. If I had the money I’d give it him myself', with another writing: 'Just watched tonight's episode. What a lovely guy Brad is, I really wanted him to win. But he's a winner in everyone's eyes tonight xx ❤️'. (sic)
A third added: 'Heartbreaking what a true inspiration 😢👏😍', with a fourth writing: 'It made me sad so wanted Brad to get the 75K ❤️'. (sic)
Following the episode airing on Thursday afternoon, one of Brad's friends set up a Go Fund Page to try and help him achieve his bucket list.
The post reads: 'Hi! I’m Rochelle, Brad’s friend from Deal or No Deal! I’m sure you all saw Brads devastating game on Deal or No Deal.
'His DOND family really want him to fulfil his dreams and we have set this up on the hope that anyone could maybe spare a couple of pounds and get Brad to tick some bits off his Bucket List.'
With a target of £7,500, at the time of writing the fund has now reached over £105,000!
Commenting whilst kindly donating, many people sent their well wishes to Brad. One wrote: 'Wishing you all the best, Brad. I was in tears watching your episode. I’m so glad you’re able to see what an impact you’ve had on so many people'.
Another added: 'You’re such an inspiration, hope you can tick off some things on your bucket list and make some memories. Isobel'. (sic)
A third wrote: 'Brad, you had terrible bad luck on Deal or no deal, let’s hope this and all the other donations help you with your bucket list and family'. (sic)
Check out all of the TV shows you can apply for:
Apply to be on The Apprentice
Following the series 18 final in April 2024, bosses opened up applications for the 20th series of the show, which is expected to air in 2026.
Apply to be on The Apprentice right here.
Closing date: 1st December 2024.
Apply to be on Bake Off
With the 2024 series airing every Tuesday night, bosses are on the hunt for aspiring bakers to take part in the 2025 series of The Great British Bake Off.
Apply for Bake Off right here.
Applications close on 9th December 2024.
Apply to be on The Traitors
Although applications for series three closed in March this year, BBC bosses have now renewed the hit show for a fourth series, and applications are now open! Filming is due to begin in 2025.
Apply for The Traitors right here.
Closing date: 9th February 2025
Apply to be on Race Across The World
With series five due to air in 2025, BBC bosses have now confirmed Race Across The World has been renewed for a sixth series. Applications are now open, with the show expected to air in 2026.
Apply to be on Race Across The World right here.
Closing date: 6th April 2025.
Apply to be on MAFS UK
Although the 2024 series hasn't aired yet, bosses are on the lookout for singletons to apply for the 2025 series of MAFS UK! If you are currently single and fancy marrying a stranger, this one could be for you!
Apply to be on MAFS UK right here.
Closing date: 1st February 2025.
Apply to be on Big Brother
ITV/STV bosses have confirmed Big Brother will return for a third series in 2025, with applications now open!
You can apply to be on Big Brother right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on My Mum, Your Dad
Applications for ITV/STV dating show My Mum, Your Dad are now open! Grown-up children are being encouraged to nominate their single parents for the show, which is hosted by Davina McCall. Although there's been no official confirmation of a third series just yet, you can register your interest now.
You can apply for My Mum, Your Dad right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Love Island
Bosses are on the lookout for applicants for the 2025 series of Love Island.
Apply for Love Island right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Come Dine With Me
Come Dine With Me bosses are now on the hunt for new contestants to appear on the upcoming new series, with the winning dinner party host in with a shout of winning the £1,000 prize money!
Apply to be on Come Dine With Me right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Dragons' Den
BBC bosses have confirmed Dragons' Den will return for a 22nd series next year, with applications now open! If you have a business or business idea that's looking for investment, this one is for you!
Apply to be on Dragons' Den right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on The Repair Shop
The BBC are looking for applicants for the upcoming series of hit show The Repair Shop. If you have a treasured item that's seen better days and you think the experts can help, get applying!
Apply for The Repair Shop now.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Countdown
Channel 4 are on the lookout for brain box contestants to appear on game show Countdown.
Apply to be on Countdown right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on The Chase
Bosses are on the hunt for contestant for series 15 of The Chase, with filming due to take place later in 2023.
Apply to be on The Chase right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Four In A Bed
If you're a hotel or B&B owner and you're interested in taking part in hit Channel 4 show Four In A Bed, applications are now open!
Apply to be on Four In A Bed right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Sort Your Life Out
Although series five of Stacey Solomon's Sort Your Life Out hasn't aired yet, it looks like the show will be back for a sixth series, as bosses are urging applicants to register their interest online.
Apply to be on Sort Your Life Out here.
Closing date: Unknown
DIY SOS
DIY SOS is returning to BBC and Nick Knowles is on the hunt for applicants. If you want to nominate a family, or apply for yourself, you can register online now.
Apply to be on DIY SOS right here.
Closing date: 19th December 2025.
Apply to be on Love Is Blind: UK
Following a successful first series, Netflix confirmed in August that Love Is Blind: UK has been renewed for a second series which will air in 2025.
Apply to be on Love Is Blind: UK right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Brad appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday 6th December, where he said: "I just thought a few family members and friends would donate to be honest. From last Thursday the response I've had is something I can never put into words.
"I'm going to get upset now. From the bottom of my heart it means the world and I'll never be able to say thank you enough. You'll never understand how much it's changed my life, so thank you."
Deal or No Deal airs every weekday at 4pm on ITV/STV.
Now read:
All of the popular TV shows looking for applicants right now
The brand new series of Deal or No Deal begins today
I'm A Celeb: All of the famous faces who've quit the show