Stephen Mulhern pulled out of the latest instalment of Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway as the presenter is unwell. The 47-year-old informed producers of the ITV show on Saturday morning (April 6) that he was not up to going in to the television studios located in West London.
ITV confirmed he would be absent but would not discuss the nature of his illness. Stephen’s withdrawal from the show left presenters Ant and Dec, both 48, rewriting his segment to feature I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here winner Jordan North, 34, instead.
The Dancing On Ice star’s representative told Express.co.uk: “Stephen was due to be involved in one of the sketches in tonight’s show but sadly he was unable to take part due to him feeling unwell. He’s looking forward to being back for the final next weekend.”
The penultimate episode of the popular family entertainment show was set to feature Stephen in a comedy skit with the Geordie duo, but their team was forced to change the plan, reports The Sun.
A source reportedly told the publication: “Stephen was due to be on a small section of the show, but sadly he was feeling a bit too poorly to perform.
“When he realised he would be too under the weather to show up he called first thing on Saturday morning to let the team know.”
“They were able to rejig the format and make it work without him”.
Meanwhile, Saturday Night Takeaway viewers were left disappointed that Stephen did not appear on tonight’s show and took to social media to leave flurries of well wishes for the star.
Taking to X, @NicolaSillyBumThe wrote: “Problem is that last week we got the Stephen Mulhern/In For a Penny feature, AND ring my bell, so this week is not as good.”
@Gillian321part2 stated: “I just read your not well. I hope you feel better soon @StephenMulhern. Sending love. Xxx.”
@gking37 exclaimed: “@StephenMulhern Hope you’re ok fella.”
“Let’s hope the finale is a belter because tonight wasn’t. Dare I say it, it was missing an O/B and Stephen Mulhern. #SaturdayNightTakeaway”, added @putthetellyon.
Despite his absence from the prime time show on Saturday, Stephen is still set to take part in the last ever episode of Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway next week.
During a special two-hour Farewell Spectacular on Saturday, April 13, Stephen is due to crown the ultimate champion in the decider of Ant Vs Dec.
Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway airs on Saturday at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX
NEWS CREDIT
