S4C’s quiz show Y Deis returns for second series with celebrity special

A second series of hit Welsh-language quiz show Y Deis (The Dice) starts on Wednesday October 14, with a special celebrity Welsh learners’ episode, during S4C and BBC Radio Cymru’s annual Wythnos Dathlu Dysgu Cymraeg (Celebrating Learning Welsh Week).

Welsh rugby legends Alun Wyn Jones and Jonathan ‘Fox’ Davies, who led Wales to the 2019 Grand Slam, team up to take on comedian Mike Bubbins and presenter Eleri Sion, alongside singer-songwriter Aleighcia Scott and actress Mali Ann Rees.

The winning team sees their jackpot donated to the charities of their choice.

Hosted by BBC Radio Wales Breakfast presenter James Williams and filmed in Cardiff, Y Deis sees three teams of two – whether friends, family members or colleagues – go head-to-head across a series of dynamic rounds.

Teams build their pot by combining quick thinking and clever tactics with the roll of the dice, where a single throw can dramatically change the course of the game.

Only one team can make it through to the final, where they face a tense and relationship-testing race against the clock to try and claim the Jackpot.

The new series, produced by Cardiff-based Slam Media, will feature a total of 40 x 30-minute episodes, and 4 x 45m Celebrity Specials bringing back the unique mix of general knowledge, strategy, luck and high-stakes entertainment that has made Y Deis a hit with viewers.

The format has already shown international appeal. Last year, Irish-language broadcaster TG4 acquired the rights to create An Deis, its own Irish-language version, also filmed in Cardiff. A further 22 episodes have been commissioned from Tyrone Productions for its second series, whileS4C has also commissioned a children’s pilot.

Y Deis host James Williams said:

“It’s fantastic to be back for a second series. Y Deis is a general knowledge quiz, but the dice brings in that extra layer of luck and strategy which can completely change the game. You need the knowledge and ability to get through the quiz, but everything can turn on one throw, so you never quite know how it’s going to unfold. Any team that takes the Jackpot has truly earned it.”

Y Deis was created by Gavin Cox of Slam Media, who took inspiration from his late father’s career designing fruit machine games. The result is a quiz where knowledge and skill meet chance, with the dice machine itself serving as the theatrical visual centrepiece of the show.

Viewers can also look forward to two special Christmas editions, bringing together well-known celebrity pairings and couples for festive fun, fierce competition and plenty of surprises.

Gavin Cox, Y Deis format creator and Executive Producer said:

“My dad spent his career creating games that people genuinely connected with, and since his passing I’ve really wanted to create something of my own that could have that same impact – something my own children could look back at with pride. With the backing of S4C and TG4, that ambition has become a reality.”

Viewers can also look forward to two special Christmas editions, bringing together well-known celebrity pairings and couples for festive fun, fierce competition and plenty of surprises.

Geraint Rhys Lewis, Slam Executive Producer and Y Deis Director said:

“Y Deis is a brilliant, thrilling concept that has all the ingredients for great television. The response to the format so far has been hugely encouraging, and we believe it has the potential to travel well beyond Wales and become an international hit.

Beth Angell, Head of Entertainment and Factual Entertainment at S4C said:

“The moment I saw Y Deis, I knew we had a hit on our hands. It’s the perfect mix of knowledge, strategy and pure chance. I was lucky enough to play it during development, and trust me, it completely lived up to the hype!”

Laura Ní Cheallaigh Director of Content TG4 said:

“An Deis is an exciting, entertaining and ambitious format that proves the power of creative collaboration between Celtic broadcasters.”