Joe Manganiello's hosting gig has awkward Sofa Vergara connection

Publish date: 2024-07-18

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Dinner at Howie’s? Joe Manganiello’s new hosting job has a wild connection to his ex-wife, Sofía Vergara.

The “Magic Mike” star, 46, is set to host “Deal or No Deal Island,” which was originally hosted by Howie Mandel.

Mandel, 67, will stay on to serve as the NBCUniversal show’s executive producer — while also staying on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” panel with Vergara.

Mandel and Vergara have been coworkers for years. Mandel has been on the show since 2009, while the “Modern Family” actress joined in 2020.

“Deal or No Deal Island” will take 13 contestants to a remote private island, where they will face challenges while tryin to score cash prizes.

“The role of ‘Deal or No Deal’ host has always been held by someone charming, hilarious, and devastatingly handsome. When we took the show out of the studio and transported the game to the Banker’s island, Joe was the obvious choice. He loves all kinds of games, lives for adventure and isn’t afraid to stare down a snake or two to help players win a life-changing payday and, hopefully, beat the Banker at his own game,” Corie Henson, EVP of unscripted content at NBCUniversal Entertainment, said in a statement on Wednesday.

In court docs, Manganiello cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the couple’s split. Patrick Ecclesine/NBC
Manganiello on “Deal or No Deal Island.” Patrick Ecclesine/NBC
Vergara and Manganiello in better times. Invision for the Television Academy
Manganiello and Vergara at a red carpet event. Getty Images for Turner
Vergara and Mandel on “AGT.” Getty Images for Nickelodeon

Manganiello and Vergara, meanwhile, announced their split after seven years of marriage in July. In court docs, Manganiello cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the couple’s split, and the date of separation as July 2. Additionally, he noted the pair had a prenup.

The “Kill Room” actor has since been linked to actress Caitlin O’Connor.

Earlier this month, Vergara walked off the “AGT” stage when Mandel joked if the newly single actress was “interested” in anyone from the audience.

The exes married in 2015. WireImage
The pair announced their divorce over the summer after seven years of marriage. NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

“That’s it!” she exclaimed.

“I was helping Sofia!” Mandel went on to claim to Entertainment Tonight. “People said it was too soon and it was tasteless.”

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