A quiet career built on charm now finds itself tangled in headlines no one saw coming. Between past love, personal battles, and financial revelations, the story unfolding is anything but predictable

Stephen Mulhern has cemented himself as a familiar face on British television, known for hosting some of it’s most iconic revivals including Deal or No Deal and Dancing on Ice. Now, he’s back for a second season as the host of You Bet!, the classic game show making a comeback with a new tour across the UK.

Once a popular Saturday night staple in the 1980s and ’90s, You Bet! has been refreshed with a format that takes the show on the road, featuring challenges and celebrity guests in towns and cities around the country.

This season, Stephen is on the lookout for ordinary people taking on extraordinary challenges for the chance to win £5,000. Adding to the excitement is a revolving celebrity panel placing their bets, with tonight’s episode featuring stars such as Alesha Dixon, Josie Gibson, and Josh Widdicombe.

As Stephen’s star continues to rise, here’s everything you need to know about the TV personality – from his soap star ex-girlfriend, net worth and health scare.

Who is Stephen’s ex-girlfriend?

Stephen is known for being notoriously private about his relationships. In 2018, he did admit that he hadn’t been on a date in four years.

In 2008, however, Stephen was linked to EastEnders actress Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell in the BBC soap opera. It was said that the two grew close to each other while starring in the panto production of Snow White in Birmingham.

While neither Stephen nor Emma confirmed the rumours, they were seen together for three years. When their relationship ended, without ever admitting that they were an item, Stephen said his time with Emma came to a ‘natural end’.

More recently, in 2024, rumours circulated that Stephen was dating I’m a Celebrity contestant Josie Gibson, after photos emerged of them holding hands. However, Stephen quickly dismissed the speculation during an appearance on This Morning with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, saying, “Listen, she didn’t turn up to rehearsals. I held her hand and showed her where to stand. That is it, finito.”

When did he share a kiss with Holly Willoughby?

Holly Willoughby, another member of ITV’s presenting elite co-hosted with Stephen from 2004-2006 on ‘Holly and Stephen’s Saturday Showdown’, previously known as ‘Ministry of Mayhem’. A TikTok video of the pair sharing a kiss went viral last year!

In the clip, Stephen, now 46, presents Holly, now 42, with a gift. He stipulates: “Here’s the deal, if you open it you must wear it for the whole show.”

Agreeing to the terms, Holly excitedly unwraps the present to find a green Christmas hat with mistletoe attached.

A delighted Holly exclaims: “Hurray for me! I can kiss all of the boys in the world all of the time.”

She then sings: “Tis the season to kiss Holly fa la la la la” to the tune of ‘Deck the Halls’, but when her co-presenter playfully kisses her on the lips she protests: “No! Stephen, you don’t count!”.

He retorts: “What do you mean I don’t count? Whoever you are under the mistletoe with you must kiss,” kissing her again before declaring: “Happy Christmas!”.

She jests in response: “Don’t wear my lips out, I am going to be kissing Anthony from Blue soon.”

But Stephen kisses her again, and then two more times later in the show – making a total of five kisses during the course of the Christmas special.

The pair remain friends and in 2022 Stephen stepped in to replace Philip Schofield on Dancing on Ice when the regular host tested positive for Covid-19.

What else has Stephen been involved in?

Stephen’s career took off in the late nineties when he was a presenter for ITV’s children’s channel CITV from 1998-2002. Before this, he had been perfecting his magic skills at Butlin’s in Minehead.

After finishing his time on CITV, Stephen teamed up with This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby on Holly and Stephen’s Saturday Showdown, previously known as Ministry of Mayhem.

Since then, the presenter has carved out a name for himself with his hosting roles on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Catchphrase and Britain’s Got Talent. From 2020 to 2021, he also hosted the game show Rolling In It on ITV.

In 2024, after a temporary stint as co-host of Dancing on Ice, Stephen secured a permanent role following Phillip Schofield’s departure from ITV and hosting duties. However, the show has since confirmed that it will not be returning for another season.

What was Stephen’s health scare?

In 2024, Stephen Mulhern was briefly hospitalised after falling ill at a restaurant. According to a spokesperson, the incident followed a medical procedure involving anaesthetic, combined with a few drinks, which caused him to feel unwell.

The health scare came during a particularly difficult time for the presenter, as he was also grieving the recent loss of his beloved father, a period described as “incredibly tough and understandably very stressful.”

What is Stephen’s net worth?

The Daily Express reported earlier this year, that Stephen’s networth is estimated at around £5 million – overtaking those of The Chase’s host, Bradley Walsh. It is believed that Stephen could be raking in over £80,000 per week.