Deal Or No Deal viewers were left emotional during the ‘most heartbreaking and saddest’ episode as contestant revealed a terminal health diagnosis

Deal Or No Deal viewers were left emotional after one of the ‘saddest’ episodes aired on Thursday.

During the ITV show, contestant Brad Wale broke down in tears as he told host Stephen Mulhern that he doesn’t have much time left after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The terminal illness affects the motor nerves eventually degenerate and die, causing the muscles to become weaker and weaker, eventually leading to paralysis.

Brad revealed that he probably only had a few years to live, but added that physicist Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS and still lived for 55 years.

In a very emotional appearance, the contestant told the host that he wanted to take part in the show to win some money, which would help him tick things off his ‘bucket list’, and also aimed to leave. his family some money.

Deal Or No Deal viewers were emotional during the ‘most heartbreaking’ and ‘saddest’ episode on Thursday as a called-in contestant revealed his terminal health diagnosis

During the ITV show, contestant Brad broke down in tears as he told presenter Stephen Mulhern that he doesn’t have much time left after his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis.

Several people in the studio were also in tears after listening to the brave participant’s story.

Still, Brad has proven that he is doing his best to embrace the condition and find a positive perspective to face it all.

The participant played an excellent match, with many people insisting that he achieve a big victory.

He had a promising start to the game, as he managed to knock off more blue boxes than red ones, while still having the huge £100,000 yet to be discovered.

The banker then called with £12,500, while the £75,000 box was still in play.

Brad followed his mother’s advice, who encouraged him to keep playing because of his happiness.

But that’s when things took a typically unexpected turn when Brad turned down the cash offer and revealed what he was referring to Win £75,000.

Yet the high-risk game turned out to have a tougher outcome than expected as Brad was left with four boxes, including the amounts £75,000, £5,000, £10 and £5.

It was one of the ‘most heartbreaking’ episodes of the show, with several people in the studio also breaking down in tears after listening to the brave contestant’s story – with many of his co-stars wiping away tears.

Deal Or No Deal viewers were moved by Brad’s story, with several people taking to X/Twitter to share their support as they were upset by the game’s outcome

WHAT IS MOTOR NEURON DISEASE?

Motor neurone disease is a rare condition that mainly affects people between the ages of 60 and 70, but can also affect adults of all ages.

It is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurons. These cells gradually stop working. It is not known why this happens.

If you have a close relative with motor neurone disease, or a related condition called frontotemporal dementia, this can sometimes mean you are more likely to develop this condition. But in most cases it does not run in families.

Early symptoms may include weakness in your ankle or leg, such as finding it difficult to walk upstairs; slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, a weak grip and gradual weight loss.

If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor. They will consider other possible conditions and may refer you to a specialist called a neurologist if necessary.

If a close relative has motor neuron disease or frontotemporal dementia and you are concerned that you are at risk, they can refer you to a genetic counselor to talk about your risk and any tests you may have.

Source: NHS Great Britain

When the fourth and final box revealed the highest amount Brad dreamed of, both the contestant and viewers at home were devastated.

Things got worse when Brad was eliminated the next box containing £5,000, as he told host Stephen: ‘This is my life. I’ve always had so much bad luck. Nothing changes, I should have expected this.’

He received a final offer from the banker of just £4, while Brad finished opening his box which had only £5 in it all along.

Deal Or No Deal viewers were moved by Brad’s story, with several people taking to X/Twitter to share their support as they were upset by the game’s outcome.

One viewer wrote: ‘That was the most heartbreaking thing I’ve seen in so long… Brad, I love you #DealOrNoDeal.’

A second user agreed to share his feelings: ‘#Brad #DealorNoDeal Never before have I wanted someone to win big on a TV game show like I did today. So sad it never happened. What a beautiful, funny, courageous man he is. I really hope he can achieve his bucket list X.”

A third wrote, “Everyone after watching Brad’s game,” and shared a reaction gif that read, “Okay, I’m going to cry.”

“Omg Brad, diagnosed with ALS, praying he has a big win on #DealOrNoDeal @StephenMulhern @ITVX @itv,” another person said.

Another viewer of the show defended him, pleading: ‘#DealOrNoDeal can we please start a gofundme or something for Brad??? Definitely deserves it, what an incredible man.’

‘That has to be one of the saddest Deal or No Deal’s I’ve ever seen. Poor Bram. #DealOrNoDeal,” another commented.

“I felt so bad for Brad, such a great man made me cry when he said all he’s had in his life has been bad luck #DealOrNoDeal,” another person wrote.

Despite getting off to a promising start, Brad’s play deteriorated when he knocked out the next box with a sum of £5,000, telling host Stephen: ‘This is my life. I’ve always had so much bad luck. Nothing changes, I should have expected this’