Saturday Night Takeaway star Stephen Mulhern forced to take time off TV after needing hospital treatment

ANT and Dec star Stephen Mulhern has been forced off TV after he was left requiring private hospital treatment.

The Saturday Night Take-away co-host, 44, underwent a procedure which could see him sidelined for weeks. 

A source said: “He’s currently resting up.”

Fans were concerned at the star’s mystery three-week absence from ITV’s hit show.

A source close to him said last night: “Stephen went to hospital for a medical procedure, but has been discharged now and is focusing all his energy on his recovery.

“He’s hoping to return to the show as soon as he’s feeling better and well enough. He’s currently resting up and supporting the lads from home.”

Stephen last appeared on Saturday Night Takeaway for the series opener on February 19, where he dressed up as Donald Trump. He had also not been tweeting.

Stephen, who also fronts Catchphrase on ITV, yesterday broke his online silence to thank fans for their support. 

He tweeted: “Hello all. Sorry I’ve been quiet on here recently and thank you for all your lovely messages. 

“I’ve had some time off and been resting up on doctors orders. I’m on the mend, I’m happy to say, and looking forward to getting back to work soon. In the meantime I’ll put my feet up and watch Saturday Night Takeaway tonight with the rest of you lot.

“Please don’t miss me too much! Lots of love.”

Fan Jon Salmon replied: “So good to see this tweet, Stephen. My daughter had been asking most days if you had tweeted anything and was really concerned.”

Stephen, who has appeared on Ant and Dec’s primetime show since 2016, also hosted the In For A Penny segment.

It is now a standalone ITV show which he hosts as well as game show Rolling In It and the National Lottery draws. He also recently stood in on Dancing on Ice after Phillip Schofield had to self-isolate. 

‘Dated’ EastEnders star

He is believed to be single but reportedly dated EastEnders actress Emma Barton, 44, who plays Honey Mitchell, for three years from 2011. 

Stephen, who grew up in East London, has previously spoken about how close he is to his parents Maureen and Christopher.

He said in an interview: “All my mum and dad want to do is go to a carvery.

“That’s their treat of the week. I was with them yesterday and I said, ‘What do you fancy doing?’ And my mum said, ‘Shall we go for a carvery?’ And her face lights up.

“I don’t go to the showbiz parties but I do enjoy life.”