Season 2 of Deal or No Deal Island Welcomes Chrissy Teigen as the New Banker

Excitement surrounds the return of Deal or No Deal Island for its second season, marked by a significant shift in roles. Fans of the franchise will recognize Chrissy Teigen, who once graced the show as a briefcase model. Teigen is now stepping into the pivotal role of the banker, a revelation announced by NBC in an exclusive interview with People magazine on March 21, 2025.

From Model to Banker: A Full-Circle Moment for Teigen

Teigen’s transition from a briefcase model 18 years ago to the influential banker embodies the show’s evolution. Reflecting on her unique journey, she expressed:

“It felt like a fever dream. Sometimes I try to find clips and they’re hard to find… but I loved the experience,” she shared.

Now, as the banker, she’s responsible for offering contestants monetary amounts, significantly influencing their decision-making process. This season, she replaces Howie Mandel, who held the banker position during the previous season.

Anticipation for the Season Finale

The season finale is set to air on Tuesday, March 25, showcasing the thrilling competition between contestants David Genat and Alexis Lete. This climactic episode will also mark Teigen’s first appearance as the banker in front of the contestants.

Her role, while challenging, requires a balance between empathy and strategic gameplay. Teigen noted:

“This is very real money. These are numbers that are so unheard of for most people, life-changing numbers. But because I’m the banker, we’re against each other,” Teigen explained.

A New Perspective on Competition

Teigen’s return to the Deal or No Deal franchise allows her to engage with the show in a fresh capacity. Reflecting on her past experience as a nervous model, she remarked:

“I was a nervous little girl when I did this before. I just didn’t have that kind of confidence yet,” she shared.

Now exuding confidence and authority, Teigen has the opportunity to shape game outcomes, a stark contrast to her earlier role. Despite the pressure of her new position, she emphasizes her personal connection with the contestants.

“I connected with the contestants a lot. It was definitely a lot of acting for me that I’m not used to,” she added.

Fun Moments and Future Aspirations

As she prepares for the finale, Teigen shared some humorous exchanges with the contestants. She jokingly suggested that Genat should try out for the show Naked and Afraid, not fully realizing how awkward that might sound:

“I love watching Naked and Afraid, and I’m very embarrassed because one of the first things I said to David was, ‘You should do *Naked and Afraid,'” she shared.

Teigen revealed that her true preference leans away from high-stakes competitions. Instead, she enjoys commenting on reality shows, stating, “I’d be better suited for something like a Bravo show, where I can enjoy the drama and react to it.”