In a revealing interview with Entertainment Weekly on March 11, 2025, Joe Manganiello, the host and executive producer of Deal or No Deal Island, recounted an unexpected fire incident that occurred during a challenge in season 2, episode 10. This incident has since sparked considerable interest among fans of the show.
A Surprising Moment: The Fire Explodes
Reflecting on the startling event, Manganiello remarked:
“That big fire explosion wasn’t actually meant to go off there.”
Initially, he believed it to be part of the scripted setup, and as the game progressed, it became a memorable highlight of the episode titled Money to Burn. In a pivotal moment, contestants Parvati and CK attempted to select the same case simultaneously, leading to some strategic missteps. Meanwhile, David successfully persuaded Phillip to undertake a risky move that involved a potential $75,000 cash prize, culminating in Phillip’s elimination from the competition.
Behind the Scenes of the Fire Incident
During the interview, Manganiello shared further insights about the fire incident:
“When all of the players jumped, I just went with it. I’ll say, it made for a great moment in the episode, but it wasn’t supposed to be that big.”
This unplanned explosion caught the contestants off guard, eliciting genuine reactions that captivated the audience. Manganiello noted:
“That had to be fun when the flames jumped up on cue and the contestants freaked out.”
Key Highlights from Episode Ten
The episode presented several standout moments that kept viewers engaged. One notable instance involved CK and Parvati, whose tactical error in reaching for the same case at the same time significantly altered their game plans. Manganiello provided insight into this situation:
“CK and Parvati were pissed, and David basically worked out his own Banker’s Personal Offer if you think about it. He gut-checked Phillip to see if he’d give up power in the game for $75,000, and his bargain worked.”
Another highlight featured a critical interaction between David and Phillip Solomon. David’s strategy encouraged Phillip to take a bold risk for a $75,000 cash prize, a decision that had far-reaching consequences for Phillip’s game.
Explaining the impact of Phillip’s choice, Manganiello stated:
“If Phillip could have hung on for a few minutes longer and let go on a higher case worth more than the $1.5M that CK and Parvati were stuck with, he could have walked away with the $75,000 as the last person left.”
Interestingly, Manganiello pointed out that earlier in the competition, David had formed an alliance with Phillip, promising mutual support. Despite this, Phillip found himself eliminated due to his misplaced trust in David’s judgment.
CK’s boldness in making moves did not go unnoticed; Manganiello appreciated her fearless approach, mentioning it as a “strength.”Despite some the controversial choices during the game, she managed to place herself in the final four. He cautioned, however:
“I wouldn’t ‘recommend’ playing the game the way she has at certain points, but somehow, it has worked for her and has made her one of the more intriguing players from a season of great characters.”
Tune in every Tuesday at 9 PM ET on NBC for new episodes of Deal or No Deal Island, where these thrilling moments continue to unfold.