Deal or No Deal fans were left puzzled as Stephen Mulhern made his return to the show today, just days after news broke about his recent health scare.

Fans of Deal or No Deal were left scratching their heads as Stephen Mulhern returned to the show today, just days after reports emerged of his recent health scare.

The host was rushed to hospital on Wednesday following a dramatic collapse at a Pizza Express in Sunningdale, Berkshire. His sudden illness has sparked questions about whether his quick return is a sign of resilience or if the show is pre-filmed.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), one fan asked, “Hope Stephen Mulhern is feeling ok today after collapsing on Friday #DealOrNoDeal.” Another added: “When is #DealOrNoDeal recorded? Wasn’t Stephen admitted to hospital???” to which another fan replied: “Heard that too or he made a quick recovery.”

The incident occurred amid what is reportedly a challenging time for Mulhern. A source told The Sun: “Stephen has been going through an incredibly tough time of late. He is grieving the loss of his dad to whom he was so, so close.”

Today’s show marked Stephen’s first appearance since the health scare.

The 47-year-old normally presents The Big Soap Quiz each year and was set to be at the helm of the 2024 show. However, the TV star has now been replaced by soap legend Sally Lindsay.

The Big Soap Quiz sees cast members from Coronation Street and Emmerdale go head to head. Team captains are usually Corrie’s Jack P. Shepherd – who plays David Platt – and Mark Charnock, who is best known for his role as Marlon Dingle in Emmerdale.

It was later reported that the popular star was taken to hospital to be check over and had suffered a reaction to anaesthetic after having an operation for an unknown cause earlier in the day.

A source told The Mirror: “Stephen has had an incredibly tough time over the past few weeks. His beloved father recently passed away which has hit him hard and has been understandably very stressful.

“In addition he had a procedure which took place yesterday (Wednesday). Following the anaesthetic that was administered, he had a few drinks which made him unwell and he was taken to hospital as a precaution. He is now back home recovering.”

“I hope that Stephen Mulhern is feeling better” gushed another fan.

Stephen Mulhern will be back to host the brand new series of Dancing on Ice alongide Holly Willoughby, with head judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean returning alongside Oti Mabuse and Ashley Banjo.