Stephen Mulhern's heartbreaking realisation about beloved dad before sad death

TV favourite Stephen Mulhern, who this week suffered a collapse, is known to be very close with his family, with the recent 'incredibly tough' loss of his dad 'hitting him hard'

Deal or No Deal host Stephen Mulhern has endured a tragic few weeks.

The Dancing on Ice host was rushed to hospital this week after reportedly collapsing in a Pizza Express restaurant. He is believed to have suffered a bad reaction to medication after having a few drinks with his dinner on Wednesday. Earlier that day, Stephen, 47, underwent a procedure which required him to be administered an anaesthetic.

At around 8 pm on the night of his collapse, Pizza Express staff are said to have become concerned for the star's welfare, so called an ambulance. Stephen was taken to a hospital in Surrey and checked over as a precaution after being checked over by paramedics, and is now understood to be recovering at home.

The incident is just one of Stephen's latest struggles, as he recently lost his beloved dad Christopher with whom "he was so, so close". And the well-liked presenter has previously opened up about his close-knit family unit.

In an interview with OK! held earlier this year, Stephen spoke about the importance of having friends outside of his showbiz bubble. He explained: "That's why your family is so great, they'll be honest and tell you if something wasn't a bit great and will question why you said or did something. At least you're hearing it from the people you care about."

Offering insight into his relationship with his family, Stephen continued: "My dad always says, and I'm very much guided by my dad. My parents without fail, as I said, I've got two brothers and a sister; we're such a close family; we all stick together, but my parents overall are, for me, the most important people in my life.

The star opened up candidly about a realisation he had about his dad and family, adding: "Of course my brothers and sister are too, but my parents I care for a lot. I see them a lot, especially after COVID-19; there comes a point where you think, 'I need to spend more time with you.' We can work every day of the week, but I need to make some time. My dad always says, 'Look, if you’re always telling the truth, you'll never be caught out.' If you're asked a question, answer it and don’t tell a lie, because if you tell a lie, they'll find you out, and it’s game over."

A source has shared how the bereavement "hit him hard" with his team, ITV bosses and long-term pal and You Bet! co-host Holly Willoughby on hand to offer support. A source yesterday 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 the hospital as a precaution. He is now back home recovering."

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