ITV Turmoil: Stephen Mulhern and the Rumor of a Secret Romance

Stephen Mulhern, the charismatic 47-year-old presenter known for hosting ITV staples like Catchphrase, Deal or No Deal, and Dancing on Ice, has long been a beloved figure in British television. His quick wit, magic tricks, and infectious charm have made him a household name, from his early days on CITV to his current role alongside Holly Willoughby. Yet, recent whispers of a secret romance with a married male celebrity have thrust Mulhern into an unprecedented spotlight, sparking rumors of turmoil at ITV. While the network navigates this unconfirmed scandal, the story raises questions about privacy, media speculation, and the pressures of fame for one of TV’s most private stars.

A Stellar Career in the Spotlight

Born on April 4, 1977, in Stratford, London, to market traders Maureen and Christopher Mulhern, Stephen’s journey to stardom began with magic. Taught tricks by his father at age 11, he became the youngest member of The Magic Circle, though he was later suspended for revealing a secret on Finger Tips. His TV career kicked off in 1997 after a Royal Variety Show performance, leading to CITV’s Finger Tips with Fearne Cotton and Saturday Showdown with Holly Willoughby. By the 2000s, he was a fixture on ITV, hosting Britain’s Got More Talent (2007–2019), Animals Do the Funniest Things (2007–2011), and This Morning’s Hub (2011–2014).

Mulhern’s versatility shone in game shows like Catchphrase (2013–present), Big Star’s Little Star (2013–2018), In for a Penny (2019–2024), and Rolling In It (2020–2021). In 2023, he revived Deal or No Deal, a personal milestone as it was his late father’s favorite show. His 2024 promotion to co-host Dancing on Ice with Willoughby, replacing Phillip Schofield, and his 2025 role in You Bet! solidified his status as ITV’s golden boy. Despite his public presence, Mulhern has fiercely guarded his personal life, making the current rumor all the more shocking.

The Rumor: A Secret Romance

The rumor emerged in early 2025, alleging that Mulhern was involved in a clandestine romance with a married male celebrity, whose identity remains undisclosed. Whispers suggest the individual is a high-profile figure, possibly linked to ITV, fueling speculation about on-set dynamics. The claim of a “secret romance” implies a relationship kept hidden due to the celebrity’s marital status and public persona, with potential implications for both parties’ careers and ITV’s reputation.

Mulhern, known for his discretion, has not publicly addressed the rumor. His past openness about being single—describing himself as a “single pringle” in 2020 and admitting in 2018 that he hadn’t dated in four years due to work—contrasts with this sensational narrative. His only confirmed relationship was with EastEnders actress Emma Barton, whom he met in a 2008 Snow White pantomime and dated until a “natural end” in 2011. Recent rumors linking him to This Morning’s Josie Gibson were debunked by Gibson, who called them “best friends” in 2024, highlighting Mulhern’s knack for deflecting romantic speculation.

The rumor’s timing, coinciding with Dancing on Ice’s final series and You Bet!’s launch, suggests a possible attempt to destabilize ITV’s flagship shows. Mulhern’s close professional ties with Willoughby, Ant and Dec, and Emma Willis, whom he considers confidants, add complexity, as any scandal could ripple through ITV’s tight-knit presenter circle.

ITV’s Response: Navigating Turmoil

ITV, no stranger to presenter controversies, faces a delicate situation. The network has weathered storms, from Phillip Schofield’s 2023 exit amid personal revelations to Holly Willoughby’s security scare. The “turmoil” described in the rumor likely stems from internal concerns about public perception and advertiser confidence, especially for family-friendly shows like Dancing on Ice. While no official statement has been issued, ITV’s history suggests a focus on protecting its brand, possibly by supporting Mulhern privately while monitoring audience reactions.

The lack of concrete evidence—names, dates, or specific incidents—complicates ITV’s response. The rumor’s vagueness, coupled with Mulhern’s private nature, makes it a media minefield. Fans, vocal on social media, have rallied behind him, praising his professionalism and dismissing the claims as tabloid fodder. Others speculate about the married celebrity’s identity, with no consensus, reflecting the rumor’s speculative nature.

The Personal Toll on Mulhern

Mulhern’s private life has always been a sanctuary. Raised with brothers Christopher and Vinny and sister Susie, he credits his parents’ hard work for his grounded outlook. The 2024 death of his father, Christopher, followed by Mulhern’s collapse at a Pizza Express and hospitalization, marked a difficult period. His health struggles, including a 2022 procedure that sidelined him, underscore his vulnerability beneath the cheerful persona.

The rumor’s impact is likely profound. Mulhern, who avoids online dating due to its “bizarre” fit with his TV status, values authenticity. Being linked to a married individual, especially in a same-sex context without prior public discussion of his orientation, could feel invasive. His 2018 admission to Celebs Now that his career overshadows his love life—“I need a life. I need to stop working so much”—suggests a man prioritizing work over personal exposure, making this rumor a stark intrusion.

A Broader Context: Privacy in the Media Age

The rumor reflects broader challenges for public figures. The UK’s appetite for celebrity gossip, amplified by social media, often outpaces verified reporting. In 2024, the Press Gazette noted a 30% rise in tabloid stories based on unconfirmed sources, with TV presenters frequent targets. Mulhern’s case echoes past ITV scandals, where speculation outstripped facts, damaging reputations before clarity emerged.

The inclusion of a “married male celebrity” adds a layer of complexity, as same-sex romance rumors can carry unique scrutiny in entertainment. While the UK has progressed in LGBTQ+ acceptance, with 71% of adults supporting same-sex relationships per a 2023 YouGov poll, public figures face pressure to define their identities publicly. Mulhern’s silence aligns with his privacy ethos but fuels speculation, highlighting the tension between personal boundaries and public curiosity.

Mulhern’s Resilience and Legacy

Despite the rumor, Mulhern’s career remains robust. His Dancing on Ice role, ending with the show’s 2025 cancellation, showcased his chemistry with Willoughby, earning praise for stabilizing the series post-Schofield. You Bet!, a reboot of the 1990s game show, leverages his showmanship, with contestants vying for £10,000. His estimated £2.47 million net worth, bolstered by JFDI Productions’ property ventures, reflects his savvy beyond the screen.

Mulhern’s fanbase, drawn to his “unbelievable” catchphrase and warm demeanor, remains loyal. His Butlin’s gigs, where he performs magic annually, connect him to his roots, echoing childhood holidays in Minehead. His love for his piano, which he calls his “greatest love,” and regret over a botched Blue Peter trick reveal a reflective side, likely guiding him through this storm.

Looking Ahead

As ITV navigates the rumor’s fallout, Mulhern’s focus is likely on his work. The You Bet! premiere, Deal or No Deal’s continued success, and his ambassador role for Butlin’s suggest a packed 2025. His friendships with Willoughby, Willis, and Ant and Dec provide a support network, while his family’s grounding influence—evident in his 2020 Mirror tribute to his parents—offers stability.

The rumor, unconfirmed and nebulous, may fade as quickly as it emerged, but it underscores the cost of fame. Mulhern’s ability to rise above, as he did after health setbacks and his father’s loss, points to a resilience honed over decades. His legacy—as a magician-turned-presenter who brought joy to millions—remains untarnished, a testament to his talent and discretion.

Conclusion

Stephen Mulhern’s alleged secret romance with a married male celebrity has sent ripples through ITV, but the lack of evidence casts it as a fleeting storm. His illustrious career, from CITV to Dancing on Ice, and his private strength shine brighter than tabloid whispers. As he continues to entertain, Mulhern reminds us that true stardom lies in authenticity, not speculation, leaving fans eager for his next magic trick on the nation’s screens.