"Misguided resentment" — Deal or No Deal Island host Joe Manganiello reacts to CK cheating scandal

Deal or No Deal Island season 2 aired on its latest episode on February 11, 2025, and featured one of the most controversial moments of the season. CK was caught looking into the box to pick Lete’s coin, an act that changed the course of the game. Joe Manganiello reacted to CK’s decision in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly on February 11, 2025, stating,

"CK’s moral code was revealed. She chose a misguided resentment against Dickson over continuing her alliance with Lete."

This incident came after Lete had played an honest game so far. CK, however, made a choice that raised questions about her priorities, as she put her issues with Dickson ahead of her partnership with Lete.

Meanwhile, Dr. Will made another choice that led to discussions about his strategy. For the second time, he gave up during a challenge, leaving some contestants wondering whether he was avoiding competition as a tactic. With shifting loyalties and growing uncertainty, the episode ended on a cliffhanger, leaving the elimination for the next episode of Deal or No Deal Island.

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Alliances shift after the cheating scandal in Deal or No Deal Island

Following CK’s decision to look into the box to pick Lete’s coin, players reacted to the impact of her move in Deal or No Deal Island. Her choice affected the existing alliances and led to difficult decisions for the contestants.

One of the biggest shifts came with the growing distance between Phillip and Parvati. Manganiello commented on their changing dynamic, stating,

"We witnessed the break-up of Phillip and Parvati as an excursion couple."

Their once-strong partnership began to weaken as they found themselves on opposite sides of strategic decisions. Lete, who had been closely aligned with CK, had to reassess her position in the game. Having played with a straightforward approach so far, she now faced uncertainty about her next moves.

Meanwhile, Parvati made a key play by ensuring Dr. Will remained in the game. Manganiello explained her reasoning, saying,

"In saving Dr. Will, she ensured that he stay in the game for another week as a shield in front of her."

Manganiello added,

"I don’t know if Lete jumps for David if he jumped for Parvati. So I’m going to chalk that up to David’s overall plan to fly under the radar."

As the game continued, players adjusted their strategies, realizing that every decision carried long-term consequences.

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Dr. Will's challenge strategy raises questions

Dr. Will’s approach to challenges remained a topic of discussion as he once again chose not to compete at full effort in Deal or No Deal Island. His decision left players questioning whether he was avoiding challenges to protect himself or if it was a calculated strategy.

While some players saw his lack of participation as a way to avoid drawing attention, others believed it could put a target on his back. Some Deal or No Deal Island contestants voiced concerns that his repeated avoidance of challenges might make him seem like an easy choice for elimination. Joe Manganiello stated,

"But, then again, I don’t know if Lete jumps for David if he jumped for Parvati. So I’m going to chalk that up to David’s overall plan to fly under the radar by not overtly throwing his alliance in the rest of the group’s faces."

The episode ended without an elimination, leaving viewers waiting for next week's outcome.

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New episodes of Deal or No Deal Island air every Tuesday at 9/8c on NBC and stream the next day on Peacock.