Stephen Mulhern broke down in first TV show since death of his dad Christopher
Stephen Mulhern has revealed that he cried in his first TV show following the death of his dad, Christopher.
The 48-year-old presenter is known for appearing on Britain's Got More Talent, Saturday Night Takeaway, Dancing on Ice, In for a Penny and Catchphrase.
Now, viewers will see a more emotional side to Stephen in the upcoming ITV special, The Accidental Tourist, which will air later this year.
The one-off documentary sees Ant and Dec send Stephen to somewhere he has never been before, in an effort to help test his resolve and push his boundaries.
Stephen arrives in South Korea, where he will encounter epic locations, exotic cultures and cuisines, incredible people and places, and exhilarating activities he would never have chosen for himself.
The show was filmed just after Stephen's dad, Christopher, passed away last year. Speaking to the Mirror, Stephen opened up about the raw emotions he felt at the time, saying: "No one's ever seen me cry on the telly.
"But it was quite nice to not be behind a format, I've never done that. You're going to see behind the razzle-dazzle, if you like. People have thankfully seen me on TV for nearly 25 years, but they may go, 'Well, what's he like at home? Is he going out with someone?'
"I'm at the very centre of this, and it's scary. They film and they film and they film and they just get everything. I think what you're going to see is a lot of emotion. You'll see me totally out of my comfort zone."
It reportedly took ITV bosses over three years to persuade Stephen to take part in the show, with the star now revealing that he is "gutted" that his father won't be able to see how his adventures panned out.
"My dad had just passed away, so that's the only thing. I'm gutted that he didn't see it," he said."
The Accidental Tourist has been compared to the hit Sky travel series, An Idiot Abroad, which saw comedians Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant make their friend Karl Pilkington travel around the globe, while monitoring his progress from the UK.
Addressing the comparisons, Stephen explained: "The difference is that I got very emotional because of the timing.
"I'm not very worldly. I don't travel a lot. And my body's been used to eating plain food."
The star continued: "The food was just horrific, we'd try things like octopus, fish, penis, something they dug out the very bottom of the sea and like a worm that's wriggling, but when you squeeze it squirts water.
"When I came back, I couldn't eat for two and a half weeks. I literally couldn't stomach anything - I lost half a stone."
The experience was so challenging that Stephen nearly quit halfway through, but managed to continue filming.
On whether he'd do it again, Stephen candidly said: "The answer is, I don't know."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
23 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Katie Price faces lawsuit from exes over revealing documentary plans
Katie Price is facing a new legal battle after her former husbands Kieran Hayler and Alex Reid joined forces in an attempt to block a planned tell-all documentary Katie Price has allegedly found herself wrapped up in a fresh legal battle with her former husbands over a planned tell-all documentary. The programme, scheduled to broadcast next year, is expected to reveal intimate details about her past relationships. Kieran Hayler, 38, and Alex Reid, 50, are in talks with lawyers in a bid to prevent the film from including them, according to TV industry sources. The duo are communicating through an intermediary, as both are reportedly horrified at the thought of Katie discussing them. A source revealed to the Mirror: "They feel like they have been backed into a corner and have no choice. They just want her to stop trashing them, and can't believe she is being given a platform." This news comes after the former glamour model was left struggling with basic tasks after her most recent facial procedures. Legal representatives for Katie 's first husband, Peter Andre, were already on "red alert" before news of the proposed documentary emerged last week. This comes as Peter, 52, issued a statement slamming his former wife's "lies". When questioned about the show, an insider close to the Australian performer said: "His lawyers will be keeping a close eye on all things moving forward in terms of what Kate says or does." The three-part programme is allegedly being produced by Louis Theroux's company Mindhouse and distributed by Sky. A firmly-worded legal notice is being drafted on behalf of Kieran and Alex, pressing the broadcaster to think twice about screening it. A representative for Kieran stated: "We are keeping all our options open. I can confirm Alex Reid is on the same page." A TV insider suggested this week that the autobiographical show would "likely spill the beans on [Katie's] many flings and love affairs" and would be the "most authentic version of her story". However, a source close to Kieran expressed: "Enough is enough. They want to move on with their lives, and they can't trust anything that comes out her mouth." Katie and Kieran were married from 2013 to 2021. They have two children, Jett, now 12, and Bunny, 11. Former cage fighter Alex tied the knot with the ex-glamour model in Las Vegas in February 2010, however they parted ways in January 2011. Alex sued his ex for breach of confidence, misuse of private information and breach of contract after she disclosed to pals videos and photos of him performing a sex act. High Court judge Mr Justice Warby branded Katie's behaviour "persistent, flagrant, arrogant, high-handed and inexcusable". She was told to pay £25,000 in damages and £150,000 in costs. Reality TV star Alex said it had an impact on his career, adding: "She was saying the most disgusting things about me... It was affecting me working continually because people were laughing at me." Katie was married to Mysterious Girl singer Pete from 2005 to 2009 in a high-profile romance, and they share Junior, 20, and Princess, 18. She has been thrust into the limelight recently surrounding the debut of her eldest daughter's ITV programme, The Princess Diaries. Her claim last week that Princess resides with her appeared to infuriate Peter. Branding his ex a serial liar, he declared: "Junior and Princess came into my care in 2018 and remained with me until... adulthood. In 2019, the family courts issued a legally binding order to enforce this arrangement." He also referenced court proceedings in 2011 and 2015, claiming they demonstrated Katie had made false statements. A source revealed yesterday, Friday, August 15: "Pete felt he had to do this for the sake of not only him, but his wife [Emily], Princess and Junior. He has received so many messages of support from people who are glad he has called such behaviour out." In her defence, mum-of-five Katie, who also shares son Harvey, 23, with football coach Dwight Yorke, responded: "I know I will always be seen as a sinner. That's fair. I allowed myself to fall into a reliance on drugs and alcohol. At times I was not the mother I should have been while I struggled with mental illness. "I have been at times a poor friend, an awful sibling, and an untrustworthy partner. I've self-medicated, been unfaithful, damaged myself and those that I love." Meanwhile, Princess has stated that the feud between Katie and Peter doesn't bother her as she loves them both. Responding to a fan's query about whether their spats affect her, she said: "To be honest it doesn't. At the end of the day, they broke up when I was two years old so I don't even have any memory of them being together." She further added: "I love my mum and dad and that's all that matters." Katie has alleged that she was barred from Princess' 18th birthday party, which was filmed for her show, and that her daughter's management team considered her trash. However, an insider claimed that Katie wasn't banned but had missed the party due to being overseas. Sky did not respond to a request for comment when approached by the Mirror.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Loose Women stars left ‘disappointed' at major change to show ahead of move to digital channel following ITV cuts
ITV'S Loose Women face a tight squeeze in a new 'broom cupboard' studio. The talk show's panellists are said to be disappointed by their new home — a third the size of their old one. 3 Loose Women panellists are said to be disappointed by their new home Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Bosses aim to capitalise on the popularity of panellist Olivia Attwood Credit: Getty Advertisement 3 Sources say the Loose Women podcast does brilliantly on ITVX Credit: Spotify The move to London's Celebro from White City comes as the series is dumped on to ITVX as part of a daytime shake-up. It is switching to 30 weeks from 52, losing its 100-strong studio audience and its regular celebrity guests. A source said of the studio: 'Cast and crew are crestfallen. It feels like a broom cupboard. It's going to be very cramped. Advertisement "It feels like the show they've fought so long and hard to create is slowly being decimated. It's heartbreaking.' The studio audience is going so it is easier to upload the show on ITVX before it airs on terrestrial — as bosses see the hub as a rival to Netflix and Prime Video. Sources say the Loose Women podcast does brilliantly on ITVX and proves the audience is there. Bosses also aim to capitalise on the popularity of panellist Olivia Attwood who has 250million views across her streams. Advertisement An ITV source said: 'We have always said these programmes will find a new home in 2026. 'The studio is not confirmed, when it is we will communicate that news to our staff first.' An ITV spokeswoman said: "Loose Women is broadcast across ITV1 and ITVX and there are no plans to change that."
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I like posting sexy pics but there's thing I'd never do says Emmerdale's Rebecca Sarker as she tells all about soap role
The soap star's posts have also attracted compliments from men describing her as 'beautiful' — but Rebecca makes it very clear she is happily married SOAP SIREN I like posting sexy pics but there's thing I'd never do says Emmerdale's Rebecca Sarker as she tells all about soap role Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Emmerdale actress Rebecca Sarker loves posing in cheeky outfits – after proud husband Rico convinced her to show off her sizzling figure on social media. But unlike her character Dr Manpreet Sharma, who posted racy snaps on a fictional subscription site, the soap star says she would not strip off for OnlyFans. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 I like posting sexy pics but I'd never go on OnlyFans, says Rebecca Sarker Credit: Getty 6 Rebecca Sarker was urged to show off her incredible figure on Instagram by her proud husband Credit: Instagram/rebeccasarker When Rebecca first joined the ITV soap, she would share behind-the-scenes pictures for her followers on social media — until Rico convinced her to be bolder. In an exclusive interview, Rebecca, 50, says: 'A few years ago I had been doing some stunt scenes for Emmerdale wearing Lycra pants and a sports bra. 'I sent a picture of me to my husband as I'd been doing some working out and I thought I looked quite good. 'He said, 'Post it on Instagram'. My immediate reaction was, 'No, no, I can't post that'. 'But after checking with the production team asking if it was too outrageous, I was assured it wasn't.' Since then, Rebecca has regularly posted pics of herself in swimsuits and outfits showing off her fab figure. She admits she loves it and is flying the flag for older women after getting such a positive reaction. Rebecca says: 'I've had a lot of really lovely responses — mainly from women. 'They have sent nice messages saying, 'Yeah come on . . . #strongwoman and #girlpower'.' 'Nothing wrong with a bikini holiday snap' Her posts have also attracted compliments from men describing her as 'beautiful' — but Rebecca, who is mum to two boys aged 19 and 14, makes it very clear she is happily married. Emmerdale episode sees Manpreet and and Ruby arrested She says: 'I think my posts are sufficiently tongue-in-cheek for people to know what I am doing. 'This is just a little sideline. This is fun and it works for me. 'I see my Instagram as like a brand. I won't post any pictures of my family and friends unless they want me to. 'I like keeping fit. I try to go three times a week to either the gym or I go out cycling, and I did ITV's The Games in 2022 too. This is me saying, 'I like staying healthy'. Manpreet was emotionally vulnerable when she set up her subscription account. She had a failed relationship behind her and needed a boost to her self-esteem Rebecca 'There is nothing wrong with posting a bikini holiday snap on Instagram. It's me being a bit cheeky, having some fun and it's a chance to show I am happy in myself with how I look and happy being fit and healthy.' It's a far different story for Rebecca's character. In March, village GP Manpreet shared intimate pictures of herself after setting up a profile on a site called Fans Only. But she was distraught when a mystery person threatened to expose her unless she handed over £5,000. Mortified, Manpreet was forced to close the account down before discovering scheming businessman Joe Tate was behind the blackmail plot. Rebecca says: 'Manpreet was emotionally vulnerable when she set up her subscription account. She had a failed relationship behind her and needed a boost to her self-esteem. 'It was a lot of fun to play this storyline but there certainly wouldn't be a blurring of fiction and reality for me, as Rebecca.' 6 Rebecca's posts have also attracted compliments from men describing her as 'beautiful' Credit: Instagram/rebeccasarker 6 There is nothing wrong with posting a bikini holiday snap on Instagram. It's me being a bit cheeky, says Rebecca Credit: Instagram But she adds with a laugh: 'I wouldn't say no to an Only Flans account, though — I love baking.' This week viewers have seen the actress in another major storyline. Manpreet finally discovered her sister Meena was a murderer after she killed three people in 2022. She has also had a romance with vicar Charles Anderson and a one-night stand in April with bad boy Ross Barton — which led to her ending up in a police cell after a catfight with fiery Ruby Milligan, played by Beth Cordingly. Ladies man Ross had also dated Ruby's daughter Steph, who has now left the village for good. Rebecca says: 'Ruby is understandably very protective of her daughter and blames Manpreet's one-night stand with Ross for Steph's exit. 'When she saw Manpreet canoodling again with Ross on the doorstep, she put two and two together to get five. 'They had a fight that led to a night in a police cell together. 'But after learning more about each other's past, they had a real 360 moment and it made them very mellow and sentimental. It was poignant, and soap drama at its best.' I am Yorkshire born and bred and it feels like going home whenever I am on set Rebecca It is this kind of drama that has kept Rebecca loving her job and never experiencing the urge to leave after seven years on the soap. She says: 'I haven't had the seven-year itch. I still love playing Manpreet just as much as I did when I joined. 'I love the fact every time I get a new story, it's something completely different and it introduces another facet to her character. She is never one-dimensional.' Rebecca — who has played two doctors on TV — grew up in Halifax, West Yorks, in a medical family. She says there was never any pressure from GP dad Khaleque or mum Elizabeth, a nurse, to go down the medical route, and her dentist brother persuaded her to try acting. Her first TV role, aged 23, was playing Nita Desai, part of Coronation Street's first Asian family, in 1999. She was a doctor in two episodes of EastEnders in 2007 before heading to Emmerdale. 6 Soap fans are now speculating about whether Manpreet and Ruby will now become best friends Credit: ITV 6 The actress admits she is excited to take part in whatever comes next for her character Credit: ITV But despite growing up in Yorkshire, she now lives in Essex and does the 200-mile commute to the studios every week, returning to her family on a Friday night. She admits that she was hesitant at first but her sons convinced her to take the job and it helped that her husband was able to work from home to be there for the boys. Rebecca says: 'I am Yorkshire born and bred and it feels like going home whenever I am on set. It's such a beautiful environment to be in. You go where the work is. It's a tough gig being an actor but it works very well and I am lucky to have a family that is so supportive while I am away. 'Actually, when I got the job, I didn't think I could do it but my kids said, 'Of course you can — don't be ridiculous. We will make it work'. 'Nobody is bigger than the show' 'I take my lead from them and if it ever felt too difficult or it was affecting them adversely I would have to rethink. But they are brilliant. 'They were 12 and seven when I joined and now they are 19 and 14 — so juggling has got a bit easier too.' Soap fans are now speculating about whether Manpreet and Ruby will now become best friends. Rebecca says: 'These are two women who can be brutally honest with each other and say it as it is. 'Ruby has never had that before. Their connection is now too strong to dissipate.' The actress admits she is excited to take part in whatever comes next for her character. Rebecca says: 'I love seeing her develop. She has some great lines and I hope viewers think she is real and plausible. 'I do feel she has more to offer but obviously nobody is bigger than the show. 'If my time ever comes up, so be it, and I have had a wonderful time. 'But I love it on Emmerdale. I am proud to be a part of it.'
