IRREVERENT ACTOR/COMEDIAN HOWIE MANDEL NAMED AS HOST OF NBC'S NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES 'DEAL OR NO DEAL'

IRREVERENT ACTOR/COMEDIAN HOWIE MANDEL NAMED AS HOST OF NBC'S NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES 'DEAL OR NO DEAL'

Format Based on International Hit Series from Endemol USA the Producers of NBC's "Fear Factor" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

BURBANK - October 31, 2005 - NBC has named irreverent actor/comedian Howie Mandel ("Hidden Howie") as the host of "Deal or No Deal," its new alternative series from Endemol USA the producers of NBC's "Fear Factor" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," where contestants play for a top prize worth up to one million dollars in a high-energy match of nerves, instincts and raw intuition.

The announcement was made today by Craig Plestis, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming & Development.

"Howie's unique comedic instincts make him the perfect fit to preside over this kind of high-octane series where anything can happen," said Plestis. "His trademark is unpredictable humor and dead-on observations that can offset the tense battle of raw nerves associated with so much money at stake."

The series is based on a format from Endemol and is currently a success internationally, being broadcast in 38 countries.

Mandel first rose to prominence with his role as an emergency room doctor on NBC's classic drama "St. Elsewhere." He is also a successful standup comedian who continues to perform to sold out crowds nationwide. Additionally, Mandel has entertained millions of children with his voiceover work. "Bobby's World" became a worldwide phenomenon with a popular cartoon series that aired in dozens of countries and a series of best selling DVD's. His voice was also featured in the animated series "Muppet Babies" and the hit "Gremlins" films.

Mandel frequently appears as a guest and special correspondent on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." On the "Tonight Show," he features his patented hidden camera videos on unsuspecting people. He also is a regular guest host on "Live with Regis & Kelly."

In 1995, Mandel hosted his own daytime talk program "The Howie Mandel Show," and recently starred in the Bravo series "Hidden Howie: The Private Life of a Public Nuisance."

"Deal or No Deal" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The series is executive-produced by Scott St. John.

Endemol USA is a leading producer of television programming specializing in reality and non-scripted genres for network and cable television. The company produces the break-out hits, "Fear Factor," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and "Big Brother." Endemol USA is a division of Endemol Holding, a prominent international content developer, producer and distributor of television and online programming. The company, headquartered in the Netherlands, has subsidiaries and joint ventures in 21 countries, including the major European markets, the U.S., South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. Endemol Entertainment is a fully owned subsidiary of telecommunications giant Telef?nica S.A., one of the largest companies in Spain.