Mandel to host Walk of Fame gala

Howie Mandel, the Canadian comedian who is the face of Deal or No Deal, will play host at the Canada's Walk of Fame gala in Toronto in October.

Mandel, a standup comedian as well as a TV star, said his job will be to inject a little humour into the show.

He took on judging duties on America's Got Talent this summer, and receivedhis own star on the Walk of Fame in 2009.

Mandel said he was happy to get the honour, and equally happy that his star has not yet been put in the ground.

"I heard what happened to Gordie Howe's [star, which has cracked], and I didn't want that to happen to mine. So I've asked them not to put it on the ground," said Mandel, a notorious germaphobe.

"I don't want people stepping on it, I don't want it to get wet or weathered. I don't know where it is but it's not in the ground, as per my request."

Howe's star and the star for William Shatner are to be replaced, the president of the Walk of Fame promised last week.

Mandel will host Oct. 20 as seven Canadians chosen from the arts, sports or other fields of accomplishment are inducted.

This year's inductees to the Walk of Fame are Olympian Clara Hughes, musicians Nelly Furtado and David Clayton Thomas, the late magician Doug Henning, actors Sarah Polley and Eric McCormack and author Farley Mowat.

Mandel plans standup shows in the Ontario communities of North Bay, St. Catharines, Chatham,Brampton and Sault Ste Marie, and in Moncton, N.B., in October and November.