Stephen Mulhern Opens Up: Life After ITV Axe Brought Tears and Transformation

A Difficult Year for Stephen Mulhern

Stephen Mulhern, a household name in British entertainment, faced a tumultuous 2024 that tested his resilience. The year was marked by profound personal loss and health struggles, compounded by professional setbacks. The most significant blow came with the cancellation of Dancing on Ice, the long-running ITV show he co-hosted with Holly Willoughby. After 19 years on air, the show was axed in 2025 due to declining viewership, which had plummeted to 2.4 million in its final season. For Mulhern, who had stepped into the role in 2024 following Phillip Schofield’s controversial exit, the cancellation was a “double blow,” as described by the Daily Record. Not only did it mark the end of a high-profile gig, but it also came on the heels of personal tragedies.

Mulhern’s father, Christopher, passed away in late 2024, leaving the presenter heartbroken. Weeks later, Mulhern suffered a health scare when he collapsed at a Pizza Express restaurant, an incident attributed to a reaction to medication following a medical procedure. These events, combined with the reported axing of his fan-favorite show In For A Penny, pushed Mulhern to an emotional breaking point. In a candid interview with the Daily Mail, he revealed breaking down in tears while filming his new travel show, The Accidental Tourist, in South Korea alongside Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly. “It’s been a year from hell,” Mulhern admitted, describing how the weight of grief, health issues, and career uncertainty overwhelmed him.

The Emotional Impact of the ITV Axe

The termination of Dancing on Ice was particularly stinging for Mulhern, who had become a fan favorite for his playful chemistry with Willoughby and his ability to inject humor into the high-stakes skating competition. PR specialist Lynn Carratt told the Mirror that Mulhern was likely the most affected by the show’s cancellation, noting his challenging year. The decision to rest the show in 2026, as confirmed by an ITV spokesperson, left Mulhern without one of his flagship programs, raising questions about his future with the network.

Adding to the professional turmoil, Mulhern’s In For A Penny was reportedly shelved after six series, though ITV hinted at a possible return. The loss of these shows, coupled with Holly Willoughby’s departure from You Bet! after just one series, left Mulhern navigating an uncertain career landscape. “I was questioning my life choices,” he confessed in an Express.co.uk interview, reflecting on moments of self-doubt during this period. The emotional toll was evident, with Mulhern describing tearful moments on the set of The Accidental Tourist, where the pressure of performing while grieving became overwhelming.

A New Chapter: Reinvention and Resilience

Despite these setbacks, Mulhern’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Rather than succumbing to despair, he channeled his energy into new projects and personal growth. The revival of You Bet!, which he now hosts solo, has been a significant boost. The show, originally aired from 1988 to 1997, returned in December 2024 with Mulhern and Willoughby as co-hosts. After Willoughby’s exit, ITV entrusted Mulhern to lead the show alone, a move that has been hailed as a “major boost” by the Manchester Evening News. The recommissioned series, set to include six hour-long episodes and a Christmas special, will see Mulhern take the show on tour, bringing his signature charm to audiences across the UK.

Mulhern’s upcoming travelogue, The Accidental Tourist, marks a bold departure from his usual presenting style. Filmed in South Korea with Ant and Dec, the show pushes Mulhern out of his comfort zone, challenging his “Mr Beige” image—a nickname coined by Emma Willis due to his cautious lifestyle choices. “When people see it, they’ll see a completely different side,” Mulhern told GB News. The show, which captures his emotional vulnerability, is expected to resonate with viewers who admire his authenticity.

Additionally, Mulhern’s other ITV shows, Celebrity Catchphrase and Deal or No Deal, continue to perform strongly. The Mirror reported that Celebrity Catchphrase has been renewed, and Mulhern teased a record-breaking win on Deal or No Deal, highlighting his enduring appeal. His production company, Blue Eye Productions Ltd., also contributes to his success, with reports from Express.co.uk estimating his weekly earnings at £85,000, underscoring his financial stability despite the ITV setbacks.

Personal Growth Amid Adversity

Mulhern’s emotional journey has also been shaped by personal growth. The loss of his father, whom he credited for his work ethic, prompted deep reflection. Raised in East London by market trader parents, Mulhern honed his people skills on his father’s stall before pursuing a career in magic and television. “I don’t mean to sound soppy, but they worked so incredibly hard to bring up me and my two brothers and sister,” he told the Daily Mail. This grounding influence has helped him navigate recent challenges with perspective.

His health scare, while alarming, also served as a wake-up call. Supported by ITV bosses and long-time friend Holly Willoughby, Mulhern has focused on rebuilding his strength. His playful on-screen persona—evident in moments like pranking Willoughby during Dancing on Ice with a green-painted face inspired by Wicked—belies a deeper resilience. These lighthearted antics, coupled with his emotional candor, have endeared him to audiences.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

Mulhern’s ability to bounce back is evident in his packed 2025 schedule. With You Bet!, Celebrity Catchphrase, Deal or No Deal, and The Accidental Tourist on the horizon, he remains a central figure in ITV’s lineup. “Stephen Mulhern has got a bright future with ITV, despite Dancing on Ice’s axing,” a source told the Daily Mail. His ambition to emulate the legendary Bruce Forsyth, as noted by GB News, reflects his desire to evolve as a presenter and leave a lasting legacy.

The emotional weight of 2024 may have brought Mulhern to tears, but it also catalyzed a transformative period. By embracing new challenges and sharing his vulnerabilities, he has connected with audiences on a deeper level. As he prepares to take You Bet! on tour and unveil a new side of himself in The Accidental Tourist, Mulhern’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

Stephen Mulhern’s candid reflections on life after being axed from Dancing on Ice reveal a man who has faced profound challenges with grace and determination. The tears he shed were not just of sorrow but of growth, marking a turning point in his career and personal life. As he continues to entertain millions, Mulhern’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found.