Stephen Mulhern replaced on ITV show after shock hospital dash

By Gemma Jones, Showbiz Reporter

Stephen Mulhern was rushed to hospital (Image: Getty)

Stephen Mulhern has been replaced on a popular ITV quiz show, after struggling with the death of his dad. The much-loved presenter, best known for being the face of Tipping Point and Deal or No Deal, has taken a step back from an annual hosting job this year.

The 47-year-old normally presents The Big Soap Quiz each year and was set to be at the helm of the 2024 show. However, the TV star has now been replaced by soap legend Sally Lindsay.

The 51-year-old actress is well known for her role as barmaid Sally Unwin in ITV's Coronation Street. She portrayed the character behind the bar from 2001 to 2006.

The Big Soap Quiz sees cast members from Coronation Street and Emmerdale go head to head. Team captains are usually Corrie's Jack P. Shepherd - who plays David Platt - and Mark Charnock, who is best known for his role as Marlon Dingle in Emmerdale.

The presenter switch up comes as Stephen was rushed to hospital just last week. He normally likes to keep his off-screen life private but it was revealed that he had been struggling following the death of his dad, Christopher.

The presenter's dad recently died (Image: Getty)

On Wednesday evening, an ambulance was called to a Pizza Express restauraunt where Stephen had been enjoying a meal by himself.

It was reported that the star had collapsed, causing staff to become concerned about his wellbeing.

He was checked over by paramedics and taken from Sunningdale, Berks, to nearby Frimley Park hospital in Camberley, Surrey, as a precaution.

The Deal or No Deal star collapsed while eating a meal (Image: Getty)

It was later reported that he had suffered a reaction to anaesthetic after having an operation for an unknown cause earlier in the day.

A source told The Mirror: "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 to hospital as a precaution. He is now back home recovering."