Heartbroken Stephen Mulhern was taken to hospital after his dramatic collapse at Pizza Express.
The TV favourite, who is mourning the death of his beloved father, had been drinking with his meal but is believed to have reacted to the anesthetic he received for surgery earlier in the day.
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TV presenter Stephen Mulhern was rushed to hospital after collapsing in front of horrified diners at Pizza Express. Credits: ITV
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Sunningdale Pizza Express where Stephen passed out Credit: Simon Jones
Emergency services were called after staff became concerned for 47-year-old Stephen at around 8pm on Wednesday.
He was examined by paramedics and taken from Sunningdale, Berks, to nearby Frimley Park Hospital in Camberley, Surrey, as a precaution.
Last night a source told The Sun: “Stephen has been going through an incredibly difficult time recently. He is grieving the loss of his father, with whom he was so, so close. He’s also battled several well-documented health issues, and on Wednesday morning he had a procedure that required local anesthesia.
“He went to a quiet, solo dinner that night, had a few drinks and just reacted incredibly badly. He is only human, and his father’s death hit him hard.
READ MORE ABOUT STEPHEN MULHERN
“Stephen immediately felt unwell and concerned staff came and called 911. Paramedics examined him and took him to the hospital as a precaution. They also called his mother to reassure her that he was fine.
“Stephen is now recovering well at home and resting.
“He is so grateful for the care he received and is horrified that he had such a terrible — and public — reaction to the anesthesia.”
Stephen is understood to have continued support from his team, ITV bosses and long-time friend Holly Willoughby — his returning co-host of challenge show You Bet!.
Stephen, who spoke fondly of growing up with his father Christopher in London’s East End, was forced to step down from Butlin’s holiday park duties last month following his death.
The TV star, once the youngest member of the Magic Circle, was introduced to tricks by his dad, and he honed his skills working at a market stall.
Stephen Mulhern finally broke his silence on romance rumors with This Morning’s Josie Gibson as he was prepped by Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley
His father’s death was a new blow for the popular presenter, who has been plagued by health problems in recent years.
In April, he missed an episode of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway due to illness, meaning Jordan North was brought in to cover his segment.
And in March 2022, The Sun revealed on Sunday that he had been taken to hospital in an unknown condition.
He missed two episodes, and upon his return he joked that his private plane had broken down in Hollywood.
He added: “No, seriously, I wasn’t very well.”
“Doctor’s orders”
At the time, Stephen then wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Hi everyone, sorry I’ve been quiet recently and thank you for all your lovely messages.
“I had some free time and was resting as per the doctor’s orders.”
He later told The Sun: “It’s really bizarre because this is the first time I’ve explained – because I keep to myself – but I was in hospital. We’re fine now. But it wasn’t good. It was a bit of a worrying time.”
Last night, a spokesperson for the star confirmed: “Stephen has had an incredibly difficult time over the past few weeks. His beloved father recently passed away which hit him hard and was understandably very stressful. In addition, he had a surgical procedure.
“After the anaesthetic, he had a few drinks which made him unwell and was taken to hospital as a precaution. He is now back home and recovering.”
News of the incident comes ahead of the much-hyped return of the iconic 80s challenge You Bet!.
ITV released two new clips from the program which airs on December 7 yesterday.
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Stephen with his father Christopher, who recently passed away Credit: Getty
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Mulhern struggles with health issues Credit: Getty
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Stephen is recovering at homeCredit: Getty
20 years on TV
Author: Ellie Henman
TELLY favorite Stephen Mulhern hit it big as a TV presenter on the children’s show more than 20 years ago — alongside current Dancing On Ice co-host Holly Willoughby.
Initially with Michael Underwood, they presented Ministry of Mayhem — later renamed Holly And Stephen’s Saturday Showdown — on ITV from 2004 until its axing in 2006.
He previously used his magic skills to win Jonathan Ross’ Big Big Talent Show, which led to an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance in 1997.
Stephen later hosted Britain’s Got More Talent for 12 years until 2019 and joined BGT hosts Ant and Dec on Saturday Night Takeaway in 2016.
It also led to the 2019 In For A Penny being singled out.
He was also picked up by ITV for reboots of Catchphrase and Deal Or No Deal, and replaced Phillip Schofield in Dancing On Ice — reuniting him with pal Holly.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education