Stephen Mulhern, one of the UK's most beloved presenters, has faced significant personal challenges away from the cameras, including a suspension from the Magic Circle, the death of his father, a health crisis, and a relationship with a famous EastEnders star.
The TV star and magician first rose to fame at age 20 when he appeared on The Big Big Talent Show, hosted by Jonathan Ross in the late 1990s. Since then, he has hosted Dancing on Ice and the reboot of Deal or No Deal, alongside performing magic shows across the country.
Shock Suspension from the Magic Circle
Before becoming a household name, Mulhern was the youngest member of the Magic Circle, admitted at age 17. However, he was suspended from the organisation after breaking one of its rules: never reveal your tricks. He taught viewers a card trick on the TV show 'Finger Tips.' His membership was later reinstated.
“The trick was to put a box on your head and turn this ratchet so it looks like your head is spinning, so I did it on Fearne, and then showed them how to make it,” he told Heat Magazine in 2015. He added, “Well, the Magic Circle deemed it too good to reveal, so they suspended me.”
Father's Death and Emotional Tribute
In November 2024, Mulhern's father, Christopher, died at the age of 76. Mulhern developed his interest in comedy and magic from his father, who taught him tricks as a child.
“Magic was my dad’s hobby — and he was great at it,” he told The Sun in 2025, adding: “Rather than a bedtime story, he would do a magic trick. He’d make a handkerchief vanish and appear under the pillow.”
On his ITV show, The Accidental Tourist in 2025, Mulhern opened up about his father, saying: "If I were to tell my dad this, my dad passed away at the start of the year." He paused, apologising with "Sorry," then added, "[My dad] wouldn't believe it. I hope he would be proud."
Health Crisis and Hospitalisation
In November 2024, weeks after his father's death, Mulhern reportedly collapsed at a Pizza Express and was rushed to hospital. He was suspected of having an adverse reaction to medication, exacerbated by alcohol consumed with his meal. He had also undergone a procedure earlier that day requiring anaesthesia.
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 the hospital as a precaution. He is now back home recovering."
A similar medical emergency in March 2022 saw him hospitalised again, requiring several weeks of recovery under 'doctor's orders'. After missing three weeks of TV, he posted on X: "Hello all, Sorry I've been quiet on here recently, and thank you for all your lovely messages. I've had some time off and been resting up on doctor's orders."
Famous Ex and Romance Rumours
Mulhern previously dated EastEnders star Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell. The pair reportedly met during a 2008 pantomime production of Snow White, where Barton starred as the titular character and Mulhern played Muddles. They parted ways amicably in 2011.
In 2018, Mulhern told Celebs Now the relationship reached a "natural end," adding: "Last time I went on a date was about four years ago. That makes me sound really sad! I need a life. I need to stop working so much."
In 2024, he was romantically linked to This Morning's Josie Gibson after they were seen hand in hand outside a studio during the finale taping of Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway. Gibson told OK! Magazine they are nothing more than "best friends." Deal or No Deal airs Monday to Friday at 4pm on ITV1.
