The TV presenter broke down as he discussed the loss of his father Christopher on his new TV show Accidental Tourist with Ant and Dec
Stephen Mulhern(Image: ITV)
Stephen Mulhern heartbreakingly broke down as he discussed his father’s recent death on his new TV show.
The Catchphrase and Deal Or No Deal host, 48, returned to our screens with new ITV programme Accidental Tourist, which sees Ant and Dec send him off on different adventures across the globe to push him out of his comfort zone.
Ant and Dec revealed they were sending him to Korea first, and discussing the trip, Stephen broke down as he said he hoped he would make his dad proud.
His dad, Christopher Mulhern, passed away in November 2024 at the age of 76.
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The TV presenter was very close to his father and the loss “hit him hard” with him being taken to hospital shortly afterwards after he collapsed in a Pizza Express restaurant due to a bad reaction to an anaesthetic he had received earlier for a medical procedure, combined with having a few drinks.
Due to the bereavement and health issues, he took time off work and was replaced by Sally Lindsay for ITV’s The Big Soap Quiz.
Opening up about his father’s death, Stephen said: “Because I’m in the dark on this it’s the most worrying thing I’ve ever attempted.
“Without question if I was to tell my dad this, my dad passed away at the start of the year…”
Stephen then started to cry before saying sorry to the camera crew. Choked up and struggling to get his words out he continued: “He wouldn’t believe it but I hope he’d be proud.”
He later broke down again as he read a touching letter from his mum that she had given to him to open when he arrived in Korea.
Reading it for the cameras, Stephen struggled to speak as it mentioned his father.
He read: “My darling Stevey, when you read this letter you will be in Korea.
“Since you were small you have always loved magic, from the bottom of my heart I hope you see the magic in this trip.
“Give it your best shot like you always do. On that note my darling me and daddy will be with you every step of the way.
“Get back quick. Love you forever. Mum and Dad.”
Viewers were in tears as they watched Stephen get emotional, and wrote on X: “Aww, Stephen,” adding a crying emoji.
“I don’t want to see Stephen Mulhern crying on my TV. Why is ITV doing this to me. stop,” another added, sharing a crying emoji.
