In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Joe Manganiello, the charismatic host and executive producer of "Deal or No Deal Island," opened up about the spectacular finale that saw contestant David Genat take home an astonishing $5.8 million. From wild behind-the-scenes banter to nail-biting tension, Manganiello shared insights that left fans buzzing.

Reflecting on the chaos that unfolded during the final episode, Manganiello described the atmosphere as “almost like an Animal House reunion.” He recalled the energetic Temple Talk that preceded the nail-biting finale. “Seychelle confronted David, and things got hilariously out of control when she jokingly detailed her duties as his ‘side piece.’ Meanwhile, Parvati playfully stirred an imaginary pot of oatmeal, adding to the comedic chaos,” he said. “The whole night evoked laughter and moments that were pure entertainment gold.”

The highlight of the night was undeniably the high-stakes showdown between David and the Banker. “What transpired in that Temple was nothing short of miraculous,” Manganiello remarked. “David's performance was something we might never witness again in this jungle.”

As the tension mounted and David faced a life-changing $2.9 million offer, Manganiello was amazed by the contestant's resolve. “There are few people on this planet who would be brave enough to turn down such a sum,” he noted. It was this audacity, combined with a fierce determination and perhaps some luck, that drove David to continuously reject the Banker’s offers, despite the rising stakes.

With each refusal, the energy behind the scenes was palpable. Manganiello described the atmosphere as electric, with cast and crew anxiously cheering each time David declared “No deal.” Even producers anxiously worried about the outcome, knowing how high the stakes were. “We couldn’t influence the game, but we were all collectively holding our breath in anticipation,” he admitted.

As the game continued to unfold, Manganiello observed David finding solace in moments of introspection. “He would wander into the jungle, seemingly talking to himself or with the spirits of his family. It was as if he was drawing strength from something greater,” he explained. The intensity palpable in every moment, even the fan simply blowing on David during those pivotal breaks became symbolic of their shared energy.

The finale ultimately exemplified not just a game of chance, but a journey of courage and trust. “If he had walked away with only $75, I would still say there was magic in the air that night,” Manganiello stated. “It was meant to be.”

As the dust settles on this iconic episode, fans are left wondering what lies ahead for "Deal or No Deal Island." Will David's incredible victory lead to more record-breaking moments, or will the show present new challenges to future contestants? One thing is for sure: Manganiello is keen on sharing more behind-the-scenes anecdotes and maybe even an uncut version of the wild conversations that fans simply couldn’t get enough of.

Stay tuned as the adventure continues, and who knows? The next episode might just bring another jaw-dropping moment worth millions!