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Meghan Markle, Chrissy Teigen & More: The Most Famous Deal or No Deal Models You Forgot Held the Briefcase
What's the deal with these former Deal or No Deal models? Catch up with six former models and see where they are now.
Deal or No Deal, the game show that aired on NBC from 2005 to 2009, and again on CNBC from 2018 to 2019, is coming back — but this time with host Joe Manganiello and a tropical twist. Deal or No Deal Island premieres on February 26 and in this version, 13 players compete against one another in an attempt to win the Banker’s riches on a private island.
RELATED: How Do Deal or No Deal Island's Challenges and Classic Briefcases Work?
In the original series, each of the briefcases in the game — which was a more traditional style of game show — was held by one of 26 models. Each model held the same numbered case all season. Some models held their cases for four or five seasons, while other cases were held by a different model every year. Many talented models graced the Deal or No Deal stage, but there were a few who rose to fame beyond their time on the show. Here’s a look at six women who were former show models and are now just that much more familiar!
Meghan Markle
Before she was on Suits or the Duchess of Sussex, Markle was a briefcase model during the second season of Deal or No Deal in 2006 and 2007. She held briefcase number 24.
Four years later, Markle would go on to play Rachel Zane for seven seasons of Suits, which would lead her to Prince Harry. In a 2022 episode of her Archetypes podcast, Meghan opened up about the stereotypes surrounding the job, and the expectations put on the women.
Chrissy Teigen
Before Chrissy Teigen’s Sports Illustrated appearance that named her “Rookie of the Year,” the model, author, mother of four, and wife to singer John Legend was opening briefcases on Deal or No Deal for the pilot and first season of the show.
In May 2020, Teigen share a throwback photo of herself on the show with the caption: "This feels like an alternate universe," joking in the comments, "I never understood when I was supposed to make the sad face. I think that's why I was gently replaced."
Claudia Jordan
Claudia Jordan was No. 1 one on Deal or No Deal. She held briefcase No. 1 from 2005 to 2009. She didn’t sit idle for long after the show, either, as Jordan immersed herself into reality television and went on to compete on Celebrity Apprentice, and starred on The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 7 where she was known for her quick clapbacks. She also appeared on the VH1 show Couples Retreat to fix her relationship. In recent years, she is a host on Fox Soul and is the new host of the franchise reunions for Love and Hip Hop.
RELATED: Get a Thrilling First Look at Deal or No Deal Island
Jordan will return for Deal or No Deal Island — this time as a competitor looking to take home an enormous cash prize.
Amanza Smith
Amanza Smith may be gaining notoriety on the Netflix hit Selling Sunset, but she’s been on television well before she was selling homes to the rich and famous. Smith was a model and held briefcase No. 19 on Seasons 4 and 5 of Deal or No Deal.
Leyla Milani
Leyla Milani also shared the stage with Markle when she appeared on the show from 2005 to 2009. Before becoming "Lucky Leyla" and holding onto briefcase No. 13, Milani was a professional wrestler. Since, she's founded her own haircare line and boasts more than 1 million followers on Instagram. She's also appeared on Bravo’s Shahs of Sunset.
Hayley Marie Norman
Model-turned-actress Hayley Marie Norman didn’t know at the time, but she stood right next to the future Duchess of Sussex. Norman was briefcase No. 25 while Markle held No. 24. Norman has gone on to appear on shows like New Girl, Alone Together, Adam Ruins Everything, and The Upshaws.
Deal or No Deal Island premieres on February 26 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC before moving to its regular timeslot at 10 p.m. ET/PT on March 4. All episodes will be available next day on Peacock.
Get a super sneak peek of the Deal or No Deal Island premiere episode on Peacock!
