Stephen Mulhern Addresses Sexuality Rumors and Opens Up About His Private Dating Life

Addressing Sexuality Speculation

Stephen Mulhern has consistently kept his personal life out of the spotlight, which has led to persistent speculation about his sexuality. Rumors questioning whether he is gay have circulated, largely due to his unmarried status and private demeanor. In a 2025 interview with News75today, Mulhern addressed these rumors directly, stating, “I’ve never talked about my sexuality in public because it’s nobody’s business but mine.” He emphasized that speculation about him being gay stems from his choice to keep his love life private and his lack of a public romantic partner. However, he clarified that his past relationship with a woman suggests he is straight, putting an end to the rumors without delving into unnecessary detail.

Mulhern’s reserved nature has only fueled public curiosity. As noted by Tuko.co.ke, the presenter’s decision to avoid discussing his personal life has led fans to draw their own conclusions, often based on incomplete information. Yet, Mulhern remains unfazed, prioritizing his career and personal comfort over addressing every rumor. His approach reflects a desire to maintain boundaries in an industry where personal details are often scrutinized.

A Look at Mulhern’s Dating History

Mulhern’s only publicly confirmed romantic relationship was with EastEnders actress Emma Barton, known for her role as Honey Mitchell. The pair met in 2008 while performing in a pantomime production of Snow White at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, where Barton played the title role and Mulhern portrayed Muddles. Their relationship, which lasted from 2008 to 2011, was kept largely out of the public eye, aligning with Mulhern’s preference for privacy. According to The Sun, the couple parted ways amicably in 2011, with Mulhern describing the split as a “natural end.”

Since his relationship with Barton, Mulhern has not publicly confirmed any other romantic partners. In a 2018 interview with Celebs Now, he admitted, “Last time I went on a date was about four years ago. That makes me sound really sad! I need a life. I need to stop working so much.” This candid confession highlighted how his demanding career has often taken precedence over his personal life, leaving little time for dating.

Rumored Romances and Clarifications

Mulhern’s close friendships with colleagues have occasionally sparked dating rumors. In April 2024, he was spotted holding hands with This Morning presenter Josie Gibson while filming the final episode of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. The sighting set the rumor mill ablaze, with some speculating about a romantic connection. Gibson playfully told Mail Online, “I’m in love with Stephen Mulhern. There you go. But story of my life, I don’t think he loves me.” However, she later clarified to OK! Magazine that they were “really good friends” with “no romance in the air,” emphasizing that their interaction was purely platonic. Mulhern echoed this sentiment on This Morning in May 2024, explaining that he was simply guiding Gibson to rehearsals.

Another moment that fueled speculation was a viral clip from the early 2000s, when Mulhern and Holly Willoughby, his co-host on Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown, shared a playful kiss during a Christmas episode. In the clip, Mulhern gifted Willoughby a festive hat with mistletoe, leading to a lighthearted smooch. Willoughby jokingly rebuffed him, saying, “You don’t count!” The moment, while purely for entertainment, resurfaced online and sparked rumors, though both have consistently maintained their relationship is platonic. Mulhern has described Willoughby and fellow presenter Emma Willis as close friends and trusted confidants, often turning to them for advice.

Current Relationship Status

As of 2025, Mulhern is believed to be single, a status he has not explicitly confirmed but has alluded to in interviews. His 2018 comments about his lack of recent dating experiences suggest that his hectic work schedule continues to limit his opportunities for romance. In a 2020 interview with The Mirror, he humorously named his sister Suzie as the “love of his life,” sidestepping questions about romantic partners. This lighthearted deflection underscores his reluctance to share personal details.

Mulhern has also expressed skepticism about online dating, telling Celebs Now in 2018, “No way! I think it’s a bit weird someone from the TV doing online dating. I think it’d be bizarre.” Despite this, he has voiced optimism about finding love in the future, noting in 2021 to Express.co.uk that he is “keen” to find a partner but needs to balance his work commitments.

A Private Life in the Public Eye

Mulhern’s approach to his personal life reflects his professionalism and desire for authenticity. Born on April 4, 1977, in Stratford, London, to market trader parents Christopher and Maureen, Mulhern credits his family for his work ethic and love of performing. His early career as a magician, sparked by tricks taught by his father, led to his rise as one of the UK’s most recognizable presenters. Despite his public persona, he remains guarded about his private affairs, a choice that has both protected his privacy and fueled speculation.

His estimated net worth of £5 million, bolstered by his work on shows like Deal or No Deal and his production company Blue Eye Productions, reflects his success. Yet, Mulhern’s focus remains on his craft rather than publicizing his personal life. His playful two-word comment to The Sun in 2024 about his sex life—“Not enough!”—was a rare, cheeky glimpse into his private world, delivered with his trademark humor.

Conclusion

Stephen Mulhern’s response to rumors about his sexuality and dating life reveals a man who values privacy while navigating the public’s curiosity. His confirmed relationship with Emma Barton, amicable friendships with colleagues like Josie Gibson and Holly Willoughby, and candid admissions about his single status paint a picture of a presenter dedicated to his career but hopeful for love. As Mulhern continues to charm audiences on ITV, his personal life remains an enigma, with only occasional glimpses into the man behind the magic.