The only strategy Digicel Deal or No Deal contestant Marlon Richards had going into the show was, don’t be greedy. “I simply said, don’t get ahead of myself, accept the most reasonable offer and be grateful,” he told the Observer.

However, on the night of the game, Richard earned the wrath of many game show fans, when he said “no deal” to an offer of $215,000 from the banker only to take home $25,000 at the end of the night. “The truth is I wanted a better offer and the thought of not being greedy just eluded me,” he states. “I wanted to be that contestant who beat the banker, forcing him to make a much better offer.”

In hindsight what does he think of his choice? “Well I have to be comfortable with the decision I made. The truth is, I went in without a cent and came home $25,000 richer.”

This rookie to the game had never watched the US version hosted by Howie Mandel prior to signing up to be a contestant on the local show. “It was my girlfriend who encouraged me to enter the show, and while we both signed up, I was the only one who received a call-back. However, once I had signed up I began watching the US version to become acquainted,” he explained.

Richards describes being on the show and playing the game as thrilling – a real adrenaline rush. ” It was really exciting, and the fact that I had a strong team of supporters, this made it much easier on my nerves,” he noted.

In the wake of his participation, Richards says he is surprised by the fact that he is being recognised by members of the public. “I have received tonnes of phone calls and persons in the streets have been coming up to me really upset telling me that I was too greedy that’s why I ended up with that final figure.

As for his $25,000 winnings. Richards remarked, “dat done already. I have always said that whatever I won would have gone into some investment and clear a bill, and it did just that.”

– Richard Johnson