Get ready to pack your bags – because Ant and Dec are sending their best mate Stephen Mulhern back into the unknown, and the nation couldn’t be more thrilled!

In a social media post that’s got everyone buzzing, the unstoppable Geordie presenting duo – Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly – shared some truly “exciting news” on Instagram: filming is officially underway for three more specials of their surprise hit show Accidental Tourist!

The programme, which saw Stephen jet off to South Korea last year to confront his deepest fears and phobias with a little (or a lot) of tough love from Ant and Dec, was an instant smash. Viewers fell in love with the raw, relatable, and often hilarious journey – and now ITV has greenlit more episodes to keep the adventure rolling!

Ant and Dec’s post read: “Exciting news… three more Accidental Tourist episodes are on the way. Filming’s already started and @stephenmulhern ’s fears are back on the itinerary.”

Accompanied by a cheeky snap of the three pals together – all smiles and mischief – the announcement has fans screaming “YES!” across social media.

One viewer summed it up perfectly: “Ant and Dec dragging Stephen out of his comfort zone again? Iconic! Can’t wait to see what phobias they tackle next!”

Another added: “This show is pure gold – real friendship, real fears, real laughs. More episodes? Best news of 2026!”

From Children’s TV to Fear-Busting Phenomenon: The Accidental Tourist Journey

Let’s rewind to how this unexpected gem came about.

Ant and Dec – the kings of Saturday night telly with a staggering 48 National Television Awards and 18 BAFTAs under their belts – first burst onto screens fronting kids’ show SM:TV Live back in the late ’90s. Fast-forward three decades, and they’re still dominating ITV with juggernauts like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent, and Limitless Win.

But Accidental Tourist marked a fresh, personal chapter.

The concept? Simple yet brilliant: take one of their closest friends – the ever-charming Stephen Mulhern, king of gameshows like Deal or No Deal and In For A Penny – and thrust him into terrifying, unfamiliar situations to battle his phobias head-on.

In the first series, Stephen headed to South Korea – a destination worlds away from his cosy British life. He faced everything from street food fears to cultural shocks, language barriers, and the sheer terror of stepping so far outside his comfort zone.

Ant and Dec didn’t just send him packing – they were there every step, offering encouragement, gentle (and not-so-gentle) nudges, and plenty of banter. The result? A show that blended travel, self-improvement, comedy, and genuine emotion in a way that resonated deeply.

Stephen himself admitted the response blew him away.

“The response to my trip to South Korea has been so overwhelming and the amount of people that related to the worries and fears I have has blown me away,” he said.

“I was so proud of what I achieved that I planned to book a trip to Japan on my return, but what did I do instead? I booked an all inclusive trip to the Algarve!”

Classic Stephen – the man who conquered a foreign country but still opted for a safe sun holiday!

Determined not to undo his progress, he turned back to his pals: “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, otherwise I fear I’ll slip back into my old ways.”

“I’m still scared but this time I’m a little excited too, I know I can do this…. Or at least give it a good go!”

Ant chimed in with pride: “We are so proud of Stephen, we never thought he would accomplish what he did in South Korea – if we’re honest, we weren’t even sure he’d get on the plane!”

“We loved seeing how much of a positive impact the trip had on his life, but 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 the mischief: “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, which we know he’s keen to try and conquer. We can’t wait to see what he will accomplish during his next adventures!”

The new specials – co-produced by South Shore and Mitre Studios – promise “exciting new destinations” and more of that signature mix: heart, humour, and a bit of horror as Stephen leaves his comforts behind once again.

ITV bosses are thrilled. Sue Murphy, Director of Factual Entertainment, and Kate Teckman, Head of Development and Commissioning Editor, 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 audience has clearly enjoyed seeing them together in a new light in such a personal project, as have we.”

Why This Feels Like Peak Ant and Dec Magic

What makes Accidental Tourist stand out in their glittering careers? It’s personal.

Unlike the high-stakes glamour of BGT or the jungle chaos of I’m A Celeb, this show strips things back to friendship. Ant and Dec aren’t just hosts – they’re mates pushing their pal to grow.

It’s relatable. Millions tuned in because Stephen’s fears – flying, new foods, the unknown – mirror our own. The show proves even celebrities battle everyday anxieties, and with the right support (and a cheeky shove), anyone can push past them.

Fans adore the dynamic: Ant’s gentle encouragement, Dec’s playful teasing, and Stephen’s wide-eyed panic turning into triumph.

Social media is already flooded with theories: Will they send him to Japan next (as he originally planned)? Somewhere even wilder like the Amazon or Iceland? Or a phobia-heavy spot like heights in Dubai or spicy food in Thailand?

One fan tweeted: “Please let one episode be skydiving – Stephen’s face would be priceless!”

Another: “Ant and Dec as life coaches? This is the content we need in 2026.”

The Bigger Picture: Ant and Dec’s Unstoppable 2026

This announcement comes hot on the heels of their massive three-year ITV renewal (reportedly worth £30 million), securing their future as the network’s golden boys.

2026 is shaping up to be huge: new Limitless Win episodes (with teases of record-breaking prizes), Britain’s Got Talent, and more I’m A Celeb magic.

But Accidental Tourist adds a fresh layer – showing the duo in a more intimate, heartfelt light.

It’s proof they’re not just entertainers; they’re friends who inspire growth.

As filming kicks off, all eyes are on Stephen’s next destinations – and the hilarious, heartwarming moments sure to follow.

Ant and Dec have done it again: turning fears into fun, friendship into TV gold, and giving us something genuinely exciting to look forward to.

We can’t wait to see what phobias get conquered next – bring on those three specials!