A bold new Welsh game show airs on S4C, produced by Slam Media with support from Media Cymru

This month, Media Cymru attended filming of a brand-new Welsh game show – Y Deis (The Dice) – about to shake up Wednesday nights on S4C.  

Produced by Slam Media, Y Deis is set to deliver a thrilling blend of knowledge, strategy… and a little bit of luck. The original Welsh format was developed with support from Media Cymru Research and Development (R&D) funding. 

Y Deis is not your typical quiz show. Three teams of two (friends, family, co-workers) face off over several dynamic rounds, accumulating their pot through quick thinking and clever tactics. But only one team earns the chance to reach the final – a dramatic race against the clock to grab the Jackpot. The secret twist? The “deis” – the dice machine.  

The format was created by Gavin Cox of Slam Media, who drew inspiration from his late father’s career designing fruit machine games – a perfect origin for a quiz based on both skill and chance. The dice machine itself is the visual centrepiece of the show, adding a theatrical element to gameplay. 

Y Deis stands as a landmark piece of Celtic cooperation. Irish broadcaster TG4 has already acquired the format to create 10 episodes of An Deis, their own Irish-language version, also filmed in Cardiff. 

Gavin Cox, Format and Senior Series Producer at Slam Media, said:

“I grew up watching my father create games that truly connected with people, and I’ve long hoped to achieve the same. Thanks to the support from Media Cymru and the guidance of PDR, I’ve been able to turn that ambition into something real.” 

Presenter James Williams explained:  

“It’s basically a general knowledge quiz – but the deis (dice) adds an element of luck and strategy that can change everything. You need ability to win the quiz, but things can shift very quickly because of the throw of the dice – so you’re never quite sure how it’s going to play out.” 

James believes its broad appeal is what makes Y Deis special:  

“It’s a programme for everyone. There are contestants from all ages and backgrounds – and I think audiences of all ages will enjoy watching them. Shows the whole family can enjoy together are rare these days. I hope this will be one of them.”  

From adrenaline-fuelled gameplay to fun and frivolity Y Deis delivers entertainment with real Welsh spirit. Viewers can also look forward to two special Christmas editions, which promise festive fun and fierce competition between some of S4C’s most familiar and much-loved faces. 

Diolch Slam Media for having us! We look forward to watching. Tune in to S4C on Wednesday evenings at 8.25pm (from 26 November). You can also watch on demand via S4C Clic and iPlayer.  

To find out more about the show and what to expect, visit S4C’s website.