Stephen Mulhern makes triumphant return to Saturday Night Takeaway after being forced off air by docs

STEPHEN Mulhern made a triumphant return to Saturday Night Takeaway after being forced off air by doctors.

The much-loved star - who hasn't been on screen for more than a month now - was back for one of the show's best features, Ant Vs Dec.

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The Catchphrase and In For A Penny host, 44, revealed earlier this month that he had been ruled out of the show by medics.

He tweeted on 12 March: "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!"

Tonight, as he returned dressed in a black Darth Vader-style outfit, Ant and Dec asked where he had been.

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Dec said: "Stephen we haven't seen you since show one, where the hell have you been?"

Stephen joked: "Well lets just say that when your private jet breaks down and you get stuck in Hollywood there's not a lot you can do."

He then added: "No seriously, I haven't been too well, thank you so much for all of your lovely messages, but forget about all that now as the show must go on."

Ant told him: "Do you know what, we and the audience are over the moon to have you back."

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Previously, a source close to the star told The Sun: “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.

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.

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Saturday Night Takeaway is available on ITV Hub.