Deal or No Deal was first presented in the Netherlands in 2000 and became a European phenomenon before being launched in the US on NBC in 2005. But in America it was perfected, with the addition of 26 mannequins that contained briefcases with cash amounts from 1 cent to $ 1,000,000.
Seductive and cheerleading-looking, the so-called “suitcase girls” were as integral to the show as host Howie Mandel. Among them are: Chrissy Teigen, who later played a banker’s maid on the show; Claudia Jordan, who later starred in a season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Meghan Markle. The future Duchess of Sussex played Suitcase Girl n. 24 during the second season in 2006.
Last week, Markle sparked controversy on her Archetypes podcast when she talked about being “objectified” and how “she doesn’t like to feel forced to be mere appearances and little substance.”
While others on the show, which aired its final episode on CNBC in 2019, refute his attitude, here’s the true story of the briefcase girls, told exclusively to The Post by those who were there.
Prior to The Deal’s US debut, executive producer Scott St. John and his team were tasked with creating a distinctive look for the show.
Scott St. John: “Our goal was to create an expensive environment. We wanted it to feel like a high-end casino. It was about trying to find the sexiest way to do it … a group of 26 attractive women. But there have been episodes with all-male models. . “
Lisa Gleevegirl with briefcase: “At the audition, we had to wear heels and a short skirt so the casting agent could see our legs. After all, they’re the ones who come down the stairs at the start of the show.”
Dina Cercionewardrobe stylist: “The net was very clear: he wanted the models to wear dresses. I thought the dresses were too simple and this should be fun, fresh and lively. Also, stairs can be difficult with long dresses … For the first dress during rehearsals, we wear women in short dresses. “
Sonya Veragirl with briefcase: “The back steps were very steep. The goal was to look elegant and most importantly, one wrong move and you fall down the stairs. The only thing everyone thought about was not tripping.”
Wendy St. GeorgeHair and Makeup Director: “What I remember about Megan is that she was a very sweet girl. I don’t remember her not being happy. I was the mother to them because I was older and girls came to me with problems. Megan never did.” Don’t complain about anything. I never heard her say she was tired. I don’t understand where her bad words come from. When I heard of her about her engagement to Prince Harry I was so happy. Speak badly about our show that she helped launch her life with Harry? That’s disgusting.
Wedding ring: “What he feels may be valid. But the way he expressed it has more to do with how he feels than what happened on the show. I don’t know if anyone else felt that way. That show did. given opportunities and a way to make a living. If she didn’t want people to watch her, she’d have to choose another career. Nobody was called on the show to talk about world problems. “
