Stephen Mulhern’s Health Scare: He Was About to Say Goodbye… Until A Message From Ant McPartlin Changed Everything
In late November 2024, the British entertainment world was rocked by news of Stephen Mulhern’s sudden health scare, which saw the beloved presenter rushed to hospital after collapsing in a Pizza Express restaurant. The incident, compounded by the recent loss of his father, Christopher, marked a low point in what has been described as a “year from hell” for the 48-year-old star of Britain’s Got Talent, Dancing on Ice, and Deal or No Deal. As Mulhern faced a moment of despair, contemplating stepping back from his high-profile career, a heartfelt message from his long-time friend and colleague Ant McPartlin reportedly shifted his perspective, pulling him back from the brink. This article explores the dramatic events, the emotional turning point, and the outpouring of support that followed, drawing from reports across the web and X.
The Collapse: A Frightening Ordeal
The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at a Pizza Express in Sunningdale, Berkshire, around 8:00 PM. Mulhern, who had undergone a medical procedure earlier that day involving anesthesia, reportedly reacted badly after consuming a few drinks, leading to his collapse. Staff at the restaurant, alarmed by his condition, called an ambulance, and he was rushed to Frimley Park Hospital. Initial reports described the event as a “frightening collapse,” with a spokesperson noting that Mulhern had been grappling with an “incredibly tough time” following his father’s death just weeks earlier.
This wasn’t Mulhern’s first health scare. Earlier in 2024, he missed an episode of Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway due to illness, with Jordan North stepping in to cover his segment. In 2022, he was hospitalized for an “unknown condition,” later revealing he had implemented measures to manage long filming days. The November incident, however, was particularly alarming, coming at a time when Mulhern was already emotionally fragile. Fans expressed concern on X, with one posting, “Stephen’s been through so much this year. This collapse is heartbreaking—praying he’s okay.”
A Moment of Despair
In the wake of the collapse, reports suggest Mulhern was at a breaking point. The combination of his father’s passing, ongoing health struggles, and the pressures of his demanding career—spanning Catchphrase, In For A Penny, and You Bet! alongside BGT—had left him questioning his future in the industry. Sources close to the presenter indicated he was on the verge of saying “goodbye” to his television commitments, overwhelmed by grief and physical exhaustion. A web article noted, “Stephen was ready to walk away, feeling like he couldn’t keep up with the relentless pace.”
Mulhern’s emotional state was further highlighted by his work on The Accidental Tourist, a one-off ITV travelogue filmed with Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly in South Korea shortly after his father’s death. During filming, he broke down in tears, revealing a vulnerable side rarely seen on screen. He told the Daily Mirror, “No one’s ever seen me cry on the telly… it was quite nice to not be behind a format.” This raw moment underscored the toll recent events had taken, setting the stage for the pivotal message from Ant McPartlin.
Ant McPartlin’s Game-Changing Message
As Mulhern recuperated in hospital, Ant McPartlin, one half of the iconic duo Ant and Dec, reached out with a message that reportedly changed everything. While the exact wording remains private, sources suggest Ant’s words were a heartfelt blend of encouragement and reassurance, reminding Stephen of his impact on audiences and his irreplaceable role in the BGT and Saturday Night Takeaway families. One report hinted that Ant urged him to “keep going for the fans and for yourself,” emphasizing their long-standing friendship and Stephen’s ability to bring joy to millions.
This message struck a deep chord. Mulhern, known for his close bond with Ant and Dec from years of collaborating on Saturday Night Takeaway and other projects, was reportedly moved to tears. A post on X speculated, “Ant’s message must’ve been so powerful—those three are like brothers. Stephen needed that.” The intervention gave Mulhern a renewed sense of purpose, pulling him back from thoughts of stepping away. A source told The Sun, “Ant’s words reminded Stephen how much he’s loved and needed. It was a turning point.”
The Britain’s Got Talent Family and Beyond
Mulhern’s connection to the Britain’s Got Talent franchise, where he’s been a fixture on Britain’s Got More Talent since 2007, amplified the emotional weight of the incident. His infectious energy and ability to connect with contestants and judges like Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden have made him a beloved figure. The news of his collapse and Ant’s message sparked an outpouring of support from the BGT community. Fans flooded X with messages like, “Stephen’s the heart of BGT. Ant’s right—he can’t give up. We need him!” Another wrote, “Ant and Dec always have Stephen’s back. This is what true friendship looks like.”
Colleagues, including Holly Willoughby, with whom Mulhern co-hosts Dancing on Ice and You Bet!, also rallied around him. Willoughby, who has described their time filming You Bet! as filled with “fun moments,” reportedly offered continuous support during his recovery. While no official statements from Ant or Dec were released, their actions spoke volumes, reinforcing the tight-knit nature of the ITV presenting circle.
A Career Defined by Resilience
Mulhern’s journey from magician to one of ITV’s top presenters is a testament to his resilience. Shows like Catchphrase, In For A Penny, and Deal or No Deal showcase his unique blend of humor and warmth, earning him a reputation as a “national treasure.” Despite his recent struggles, his return to Dancing on Ice in January 2025 alongside Willoughby signaled his determination to push forward. Fans celebrated his comeback, with one X post reading, “Stephen’s back on Dancing on Ice after everything he’s been through. Absolute legend.”
The health scare also sparked broader conversations about the pressures of the entertainment industry. Fans and commentators noted Mulhern’s grueling schedule, with one X user writing, “Stephen does so much—BGT, Dancing on Ice, You Bet!. This scare is a reminder to prioritize health.” A web article echoed this, urging the industry to support stars under such intense demands.
A New Chapter
As of early 2025, Mulhern is said to be recovering at his £1.6 million west London home, with reports indicating he’s in stable condition. His return to social media in January with an empowering message of “look after each other” was met with an outpouring of fan support, with comments like, “Happy New Year, Stevie. You’re stronger than you know.” Ant’s message, combined with this support, has reportedly given Mulhern a renewed outlook, with plans to continue his TV work, including Dancing on Ice and a new series of In For A Penny.
Stephen Mulhern’s health scare was a stark reminder of life’s fragility, but Ant McPartlin’s heartfelt message provided a lifeline, reminding him of his purpose and the love surrounding him. As fans and the BGT family rally behind him, Mulhern’s story is one of resilience, friendship, and the power of connection in the face of adversity.
