Deal or No Deal Island’s Phillip Solomon DROPS A B0MBSHELL—and STANDS BY IT
NO REGRETS: Why Phillip’s SH0CKING Move Has Fans Divided and Talking
What Drove Him to Take the Risk? The Real Story Behind His Unforgettable Decision
EXCLUSIVE: Phillip Solomon rose to fame after appearing on the popular NBC reality show Deal or No Deal Island, with fans shocked when he was brutally eliminated
Phillip Solomon chose money over safety on Deal or No Deal Island(Image: Monty Brinton/NBC via Getty Images)
Phillip Solomon shocked fans when he gambled his place on Deal or No Deal Island for a $75,000 prize, only to end up eliminated by someone he thought was an ally.
The NBC star had made a deal with fellow competitor David Genat to help them through to the final round of the show. When Phillip was then given the option of taking a $75,000 prize and giving David the power to eliminate someone, it seemed like a good deal.
He turned down his chance to eliminate a contestant and took home the money. However, David went back on his deal and eliminated Phillip. Now, Phillip has spoken with The Mirror US about the shocking move.
When asked if he regretted his decision, Phillip insisted he didn’t and said, “I would make the choice again, in knowing that both David and I were the only cast members to walk away with prize money.”
Phillip Solomon (right) competed on Deal or No Deal Island(Image: Monty Brinton/NBC via Getty Images)
Indeed, David went on to win Season 2 of Deal or No Deal Island and take home $5.8 million—the most money the network has ever given away.
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Fans were quick to respond to Phillip’s decision to take the money instead of the elimination power, with many furious when he was booted off the show. Looking back, the TV star has now said, “To be honest, I didn’t choose the money over the elimination.”
He added, “I attempted to earn both, only really achieving one. In that moment, I believed that I could truly have it all.”
Phillip also shared his inspiration for appearing on the show. “I’ve always loved challenges—both physical and mental—and Deal or No Deal Island offered the perfect mix of both,” he admitted.
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The NBC star continued, “As a trainer, I’m constantly pushing myself and others to go beyond their limits, so the idea of stepping into a high-stakes game where strategy, grit, and instinct all come into play really excited me. Plus, who wouldn’t want to play for a life-changing amount of money on a tropical island? It felt like the ultimate test — and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure I couldn’t pass up.”
He learned a lot from the show, explaining, “The experience taught me a lot about adaptability and trust — both in myself and in others. On the island, things change fast, and you can’t always rely on the plan you walked in with.”
While on Deal or No Deal Island, Phillip had to “learn when to lead, when to listen, and when to pivot.” He continued, “It also reminded me how powerful a mindset is. As a trainer, I talk about mental toughness all the time, but living it under pressure, with real stakes, was a whole new level. It was humbling, empowering, and honestly, life-changing.”
