Ben Shephard has made a heartwarming gesture to the Deal or No Deal contestant who captured the nation’s hearts after winning just £5 on the show.

Brad Wale appeared on the Stephen Mulhern-fronted game show last week, when he opened up on being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease – a life-limiting condition that affects the brain and nerves. His story struck a chord with viewers, particularly after he walked away from the ITV show with just £5.

After the disappointment, a fellow Deal or No Deal contestant set up an online fundraiser for Brad – which has raised more than £100,000, the show’s jackpot prize. And Brad has now spoken about the experience on Good Morning Britain with hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid.

During the emotional appearance, Brad revealed he had a bucket list of things he wants to do in his life, before jokingly adding: "I've got one thing on my list, I've always wanted a Ben Shephard blanket."

He laughed and went on: "I'm obsessed with Ben Shephard, I'm going to be honest. My partner hates when I talk about Ben Shephard. I think he's like a bit jealous to be honest, but I'm his biggest fan!"

Susanna replied: "You don't need to spend any money on that, we've got a cupboard full of them. We will send one to you straight away."

And Ben, 58, later took to Instagram later to share a clip from the show and wrote: "One coming your way Brad!!”

Brad also opened up on his struggles with MND – which has affected the lives of well-known figures including lauded physicist Stephen Hawking and Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend Rob Burrow. He said: "It's been a really long progress getting the diagnosis. It wasn't until very recently. It sounds silly, but when I was told that for the first time it was almost a relief. I get cramping in my hands, cramping in my feet. I'm not able to walk much at all anymore.

"I've been having speech therapy, and that's got a bit better. But I'm really tired, that still goes. I just have to have lots of adaptations and stuff these days to kind of do life. But I'm a big believer in positivity and I think as long as I stay positive, I can fight it all the way."

Susanna asked him what he would like to spend his donations on and Brad replied by saying he would love to go on a trip of a lifetime to India or Thailand.

"It's basically going to see places really, and I've always wanted to do a bungee jump," Brad added. "I've always been skint and I feel honoured, blessed and guilty all at the same time – like I don't like taking money off anyone. To be given this kindness to me is something I'd never, ever expect."

Writing on Brad's GoFundMe, founder and Deal or No Deal contestant Rochelle Hughes said: "I’m sure you all saw Brad's devastating game on Deal or No Deal. His DOND family really want him to fulfil his dreams and we have set this up on the hope that anyone could maybe spare a couple of pounds and get Brad to tick some bits off his Bucket List. We love you Brad."

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