ITV has commissioned three additional specials of 'Accidental Tourist', featuring Stephen Mulhern alongside Ant and Dec as he continues to confront his fears and phobias. The show, which first aired last year, saw Mulhern travel to South Korea where he broke down in tears while reflecting on the death of his father, Christopher.
During the emotional episode, Mulhern said: 'As a family, we know what we like and that's what we do, and we always have. I am scared, I find my phobias so frustrating, but it's time to make change, and the change is now.' He added: 'If I was to tell my dad this, my dad passed away at the start of the year... sorry. He wouldn't believe it. I hope... he'd be proud.'
The network stated that the South Korea trip 'opened Stephen's eyes to a brand new culture, but there is still a long way to go.' Despite making positive changes upon his return, Mulhern admitted he has been 'slipping back into his old ways.' He said: 'I don't want to undo the good work I achieved so I've asked Ant and Dec to help me again. I need that little loving shove in the right direction.'
Ant and Dec expressed their support, with Ant saying: 'We are so proud of Stephen... we've noticed his old ways creeping back in... so when he said he was up for another trip, we were only too happy to oblige.' Dec added: 'Unbeknown to Stephen, we have a long list of places we'd love him to experience that will hopefully help him get over more of his fears and phobias.'
Sue Murphy and Kate Teckman, ITV executives, said: 'We are delighted to be building on the success of the Accidental Tourist with Ant and Dec and Stephen with this exciting new series.' The new specials will see Mulhern venture to an undisclosed destination, with the aim of tackling his food-related phobias and fear of the ocean.
