Stephen Mulhern made an exciting announcement about a new episode of Catchphrase, but not all fans were pleased.

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The new episode of Catchphrase was met with backlash (Image: Instagram/Stephen Mulhern)

Catchphrase viewers issued the same complaint after Stephen Mulhern announced a brand new episode was hitting screens. On Sunday (March 24) night, the presenter was joined by Olivia Attwood, Jack P Shepherd, and Adam Woodyatt for a celebrity edition of the hit ITV programme. Taking to Instagram ahead of the episode airing, Stephen, 47, shared the announcement with his followers.

Alongside a photo of him alongside the three celebrities, he penned: “Some people go on Celebrity @Catchphrasetv and play like seasoned pros. Others… just shout words at me until I have to take a lie-down. Find out which category @olivia_attwood, @adamwoodyatt & @jackpshepherd88 fall into – tomorrow at 7pm.” While many viewers were excited to watch, others questioned why there hasn’t been a normal edition with members of the public for a long period of time.

Viewers questioned why the original edition of Catchphrase hasn’t aired (Image: Instagram/Stephen Mulhern)

“Will there ever be a non celebrity version again?” asked one fan as another said: “Why always celebrities…why not general public like before.”

A third echoed: “It’s a shame we only get to see a ‘celebrity’ version……..This is one of the best game shows around.” Another posted: “How about letting non celebrities win some money??”

However, the appearance of the celebrities didn’t both all viewers as one commented: “Looking forward to watching!!”

“Looking forward to watching especially with the wonderful Stephen,” added a second as another agreed: “Yay good to have you back on the telly.”

Stephen has been a prominent figure on screens over the last few months since he returned to helm Dancing on Ice with Holly Willoughby.

Stephen made his first appearance on the skating show in 2024, stepping in to replace Phillip Schofield, 62, after he was axed from all presenting duties at ITV.

However, it is unknown whether Dancing on Ice will return next year after the series experienced a dramatic slump in ratings.

A source disclosed to The Mirror: “There are very real fears this is the end of the road for Dancing on Ice. It’s had a good run for nearly 20 years and has a very loyal set of viewers who really love it but the sad truth is there’s just not enough of them. We need bums on seats but the ratings have dropped to a point where it’s difficult to justify the cost.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the final, an ITV spokesperson said: “The Dancing on Ice team is fully concentrating on the much anticipated series finale this coming Sunday and therefore no decision has been made.”