ITV has commissioned a second series of Accidental Tourist, the travel show in which Stephen Mulhern is sent abroad by Ant and Dec to confront his phobias. The first series, which aired over the Christmas period, saw the presenter travel to South Korea to face fears including nudity, unfamiliar food, and the sea.
Mulhern, 47, had never tried ham, hummus, or prawns before the show, and described himself as frightened of food, strange places, heights, and the sea. The programme followed him as he ate sea snails and penis fish at a Korean fish market, visited a nude sauna, underwent acupuncture, crossed a mountain bridge, and swam in the ocean with free divers.
Ant and Dec, who produce the series, described Mulhern as “odd” and “sheltered”. The presenter said he found his phobias frustrating and hoped to return from the trip a changed person. He became emotional reading a letter from his mother, Holly, encouraging him to be brave, and spoke of his late father, saying he hoped his dad would be proud.
The show was praised for its emotional authenticity, with critics noting Mulhern’s unfiltered gratitude and the genuine affection between him and his hosts. The second series is expected to follow a similar format, though details of the destination have not yet been announced.
