Stephen Mulhern has been replaced as the host of a programme in the midst of his father’s death.
The TV presenter, 47, began his career at CITV, going on to front Britain’s Got More Talent, Catchphrase, Deal or No Deal and Dancing on Ice.
Although he’d been set to host The Big Soap Quiz again this year, Stephen, who has kept his personal life private over the years, had to pull out due to the recent death of his dad.
His father Christopher’s death was revealed this week after it was reported the presenter had collapsed while out for dinner and was taken to hospital.
A statement to Metro read: ‘Stephen has had an incredibly tough time over the past few weeks. His beloved father recently passed away which has hit him hard and has been understandably very stressful.
‘In addition, he had a procedure which took place yesterday (Wednesday). Following the anaesthetic that was administered, he had a few drinks which made him unwell, and he was taken in to hospital as a precaution.’
Although Stephen had been due to host The Big Soap Quiz, which sees stars from Emmerdale and Coronation Street go head-to-head to test their soap knowledge, he has been replaced by former Corrie star Sally Lindsay for the 2024 programme.
Metro undertsnad that Stephen stepped down due to the bereavement.
Following his health scare, a source spoke to The Sun about what unfolded.
‘He took himself off for a quiet, solo dinner that evening, had a few drinks and just reacted incredibly badly. He’s only human, and his dad’s death has hit him hard,’ they said.
Stephen is now said to be recovering at home and ‘is mortified that he had such an awful — and public — reaction to the anaesthetic.’
The Big Soap Quiz will see team Corrie being led by Jack P Shepherd, who has played David Platt since 2000.
Meanwhile on team Emmerdale, Marlon Dingle actor Mark Charnock will once again take the lead, however each of their team members is yet to be announced.
The first episode of the Big Soap Quiz aired in 2011, with Coronation Street and Emmerdale going head-to-head annually since 2016.
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