Stephen Mulhern looking serious on This Morning
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In For A Penny star Stephen Mulhern on warning from doctor about ‘permanent damage’ amid issue with his voice

After 16 years on the trot Stephen had to step away

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In For A Penny host Stephen Mulhern had fans concerned in 2022 as he took time away from the box for unspecified health reasons.

Much-loved 47-year-old telly host Stephen was absent from Saturday Night Takeaway for several episodes before his return.

Stephen explained during his ITV return that he ‘hadn’t been too well’. And two weeks earlier he’d revealed he was resting up on doctor’s orders – but indicated he was on the mend.

Nonetheless, it isn’t the first time health concerns have reportedly affected Stephen – seen on In For A Penny this weekend (July 7, 2024) – and his work.

He previously opened up in April 2018 about his stint on Britain’s Got More Talent was interrupted.

Stephen Mulhern speaks near an ice cream van on In For A Penny
In For A Penny star Stephen Mulhern previously missed out on BGT filming due to health matter (Credit: ITV Hub)

Stephen Mulhern on his health

He told the Northern Echo why he missed out on four days of filming for auditions on BGT that year.

Stephen told the newspaper he’d experienced issues with his voice after losing it during a Panto stint.

He said: “I went to the doctor and she could clearly hear that I couldn’t talk so she sent me to an ear, nose and throat specialist.

I was told that if I didn’t stop speaking completely for two weeks then I could permanently damage my vocal cords.

“They put this big camera down my throat and I was told that if I didn’t stop speaking completely for two weeks then I could permanently damage my vocal cords.

“So, I couldn’t talk at all, not even a whisper because apparently that’s even worse than trying to talk.”

Stephen Mulhern hosts Celebrity Catchphrase this weekend
Stephen Mulhern is a TV favourite (Credit: ITV)

Stephen admitted the medic’s prognosis came as “a real shock”.

And so he decided on extra measures he needed to take to preserve his health and career.

Stephen revealed he had quit taking on any more Panto roles after 16 years of festive stage jobs.

But at least his legions of fans can still get to see on telly!

Read more: Stephen Mulhern on why he’d ‘never’ do I’m A Celebrity: ‘I’d have to be more than bankrupt’

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer