TV presenter Stephen Mulhern was rushed to hospital after collapsing at a Pizza Express in Sunningdale, Berkshire, on Wednesday evening.
The 47-year-old Deal or No Deal host was dining alone when staff became concerned for his wellbeing around 8pm and called emergency services.
Paramedics attended the scene and subsequently transported Mulhern to Frimley Park hospital in Camberley, Surrey, as a precautionary measure.
The incident comes just weeks after the death of his father Christopher, with sources indicating Mulhern has been going through “an incredibly tough time”.
The collapse is believed to have been triggered by a reaction to anaesthetic administered earlier that day during a medical procedure.
A spokesperson for Mulhern told reporters: “Stephen has had an incredibly tough time over the past few weeks.
Stephen Mulhern was rushed to hospital on Wednesday
PA
“His beloved father recently passed away which has hit him hard and has been understandably very stressful. In addition, he had a surgical procedure.”
The statement continued: “Following the anaesthetic administered, he had a few drinks which made him unwell and he was taken in to hospital as a precaution.”
A source close to the presenter told The Sun: “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.”
The incident forced Mulhern to cancel his scheduled appearances at Butlin’s holiday parks last month following his father’s passing.
Stephen Mulhern collapsed while at a restaurant
PA
During the incident, concerned restaurant staff put Mulhern on the phone with his mother to reassure her he was alright.
The presenter was described as feeling “mortified” about having such a public reaction to the anaesthetic.
He is now recovering at home and is said to be “grateful for the care he received” during the medical emergency.
Sources indicate Mulhern is receiving support from his team, ITV bosses and long-term friend Holly Willoughby, his co-host for the upcoming show You Bet!
The incident comes at a busy time for Mulhern, who is preparing for the new season of Dancing on Ice and has recently released a book.
Mulhern began his career on CITV in 1998, working alongside Fearne Cotton on children’s show Finger Tips before co-hosting with Holly Willoughby in the Noughties.
He was once the youngest member of the Magic Circle, crediting his magic skills to his late father who introduced him to tricks while working on his market stall.
His transition to mainstream television included hosting Britain’s Got More Talent and various ITV2 spin-offs.
In recent years, Mulhern has become one of ITV’s leading presenters, fronting shows including Catchphrase, In For A Penny, and most recently taking over as host of the revived Deal or No Deal.
He is set to co-host Dancing on Ice with Holly Willoughby in January 2024.
