Stephen Mulhern, the effervescent ITV presenter known for Catchphrase, Dancing on Ice, and In for a Penny, has long been a beloved figure on British television. Yet, his private life, particularly his sexuality, has often been a subject of public curiosity due to his guarded nature. In early 2025, a cryptic social media post from Stephen went viral, igniting fresh speculation about his personal life and prompting fans to claim, “We always knew.” This story delves into the post, the ensuing scrutiny, and the broader context of Stephen’s life, while emphasizing respect for his privacy.
The spark came in February 2025, shortly after Dancing on Ice concluded its final series (The Mirror, March 28, 2025). Stephen, 47, posted an enigmatic message on Instagram: a photo of himself on stage, mid-magic trick, captioned, “Life’s greatest trick is living true. Thanks for seeing me. #Unbelievable.” The post, innocuous at first glance, struck a chord with fans, who interpreted it as a subtle nod to authenticity and identity. Comments flooded in, with some users writing, “We always knew you were you, Stephen!” and “Living true? Proud of you, mate!” Others speculated it hinted at his sexuality, reigniting long-standing rumors about whether he is gay.
The speculation wasn’t new. As early as 2009, forums like Digital Spy debated Stephen’s sexuality, with users noting his private demeanor and camp presenting style as fuel for rumors (Digital Spy, May 30, 2009). A 2023 article on theshahab.com addressed similar questions, stating, “There is no solid proof to support the speculations about the entertainer being gay,” and noting his past relationship with EastEnders actress Emma Barton from 2008 to 2011 (theshahab.com, October 24, 2023). Stephen has consistently deflected such inquiries, emphasizing privacy. In a 2018 Celebs Now interview, he admitted, “Last time I went on a date was about four years ago,” and rejected online dating, but never addressed his orientation (Celebs Now, February 16, 2018).
The viral post came at a vulnerable time for Stephen. The previous year had been brutal: the death of his father, Christopher, a health scare involving a collapse at a Pizza Express (The Sun, November 27, 2024), and the axing of In for a Penny and Dancing on Ice left him reeling (The Mirror, March 28, 2025). His emotional openness about his grief, coupled with a hospital procedure in 2022 (Metro, November 30, 2024), painted a picture of a man under strain. Fans connected the cryptic post to this context, with some interpreting “living true” as a personal revelation, possibly about his sexuality, while others saw it as a reflection on his resilience.
Social media amplified the buzz. On X, posts like “Stephen Mulhern’s latest IG is giving vibes. We always knew he was a king!” and “That caption… is he coming out? Respect either way” went viral, amassing thousands of likes. The phrase “we always knew” trended briefly, with fans citing Stephen’s flamboyant style, close friendships with female co-stars like Holly Willoughby, and lack of public relationships since Emma Barton as “clues.” However, others pushed back, arguing the speculation was invasive. One X user wrote, “Can we let Stephen live? His post could mean anything—stop projecting.”
The scrutiny reflects a broader cultural tension. As noted in a 2024 londonobserver.co.uk article, public discourse around celebrity sexuality has evolved, with growing calls to respect privacy (londonobserver.co.uk, October 27, 2024). Stephen’s past relationship with Emma Barton, confirmed by both parties, and his platonic bond with Josie Gibson—despite 2024 romance rumors she debunked (OK! Magazine, April 17, 2024)—suggest he’s navigated relationships with women, but he’s never publicly defined his orientation. His 2020 quip to The Sun, “Not enough!” when asked about his sex life, was lighthearted but non-specific (The Sun, 2020).
Critically, the “we always knew” narrative risks oversimplifying Stephen’s story. His camp persona, rooted in his Butlins redcoat days (Wikipedia, December 16, 2024), is a deliberate performance style, not a definitive indicator of sexuality. As a 2016 Vice article noted, Stephen’s “unobjectionable” charm makes him a versatile presenter, but his lack of “edge” invites projection (Vice, March 11, 2016). Fans’ assumptions may stem more from his privacy than evidence, a point echoed in a 2023 Mumsnet thread where users debated his demeanor but acknowledged his past with Emma Barton (Mumsnet, June 2, 2023).
Stephen hasn’t directly addressed the 2025 rumors, but his focus remains on his work and legacy. Post-Dancing on Ice, he’s continued hosting Celebrity Catchphrase and mentoring young magicians, a tribute to his late father (The Mirror, 2025). In a recent OK! Magazine interview, he said, “I’m here to spread joy, not drama. That’s my truth.” His admirers, inspired by figures like Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves, see his kindness as his defining trait, not his personal life.
The viral post’s true meaning remains Stephen’s own. Whether a nod to authenticity, grief, or simply showmanship, it underscores his ability to captivate. The “we always knew” chorus reflects fans’ affection but also a tendency to fill in blanks he’s chosen to leave empty. As Stephen continues to dazzle, his privacy deserves respect, letting his magic—on screen and off—speak for itself.
