DOND interview with Noel is available here on the official DOND site.

It's somewhat ironic that Noel is increasingly abbreviating the show's name to "Deal", given his well publicised tendency to encourage contestants to favour the "no deal" option...

...evidence of which is clear in that interview! (Every single individual player he mentioned took their box.)

The way he and Endemol talked about a £250k win 'every three weeks' (which is near enough how often it will be at the table), you'd think they never expected people to deal... :S

It's true that every player he mentioned took their box, but I think everyone's in agreement that the players he mentions had pretty exciting shows (although I think Andrew gets a mention because of the "inspiration" side). Also, out of the 4 players Noel mentioned, the "gambles" failed for 3 of them (Morris, Orry and Andrew) and only worked out for one (Laura) so I don't think he's extolling the virtues of gambling by mentioning those names.

I think that was mentioned to emphasise how long they had to wait for the £250k to be won, but I suppose they had to work out initially how often the £250k could be won, based on the most extreme scenario to ensure they had enough money in case it actually happened!

I think this is an interesting quote from Noel and it could be interpreted in a number of ways. Having been a contestant though, I think he's more referring to players having fun when they're in the chair and trying to relax and enjoy themselves. I think it's quite clear from watching over the last few years that some players don't make the most of their opportunity by having fun and enjoying themselves, as they seem rather "switched off" when they get to the chair (for whatever reason!).

Good points, all. However, the interpretation that is very prevalent from the version that airs on Channel 4 is that 'making the most of the one big opportunity' is synonymous with 'No Dealing to the end'. Also, you're exactly right, the 'every three weeks' comment was probably done for insurance purposes, but mentioning it to Noel probably set up false expectations on some level.

David makes some very good points though I have to agree with KP with the "making the most of the one big opportunity" being synonmyous with no dealing to the end!

Not related to the Noel interview, but over on the official site they are asking if people would like to see a Facebook DOND game.

On the official site, you can read the full story and take part, if you wish, in the short survey about the proposed game.