Stephen Mulhern had the audience both laughing and stunned during his performance at the Royal Variety Show.
The beloved presenter, 47, brought his signature humor and heartfelt moments to the stage, blending magic with personal tributes in a way only he can.
However, an unexpected twist involving an audience member added a chaotic edge to the evening.
Honoring Family Through Magic
Before diving into his act, Stephen shared a touching memory of his late grandfather, who had taught him a classic magic trick when he was just 11 years old.
As he ripped up and restored pieces of paper, he explained the personal significance behind the illusion, revealing that his grandfather had passed away just two weeks prior.
The moment showcased Stephen’s emotional depth, as he dedicated the performance to his late father and grandfather.
Chaos in the Crowd: A Skit Goes Awry
The atmosphere shifted when Stephen introduced a playful prop—a confetti detonator.
He invited an audience member, Adam, to take charge of the gadget with one simple instruction: press the button only when something funny happened.
Things took a hilarious turn when Adam, perhaps misjudging the moment, pressed the button during Stephen’s heartfelt story about his grandfather.
A surprised Stephen immediately broke character, exclaiming, “Stop this! That was the wrong time, my friend! What the hell were you thinking?”
He stormed over to Adam, playfully yanking him out of his seat and mock-banishing him behind a curtain, leaving the audience in stitches.
A Year of Challenges for Stephen
While the performance was a lighthearted highlight, it’s been a challenging year for Stephen.
He’s faced personal hardships, including the passing of his father, Christopher, and a series of health scares.
Last month, the Dancing On Ice presenter had a scare at a Pizza Express in Sunningdale, where paramedics were called as a precaution following an adverse reaction to a procedure.
After being checked over at Frimley Park Hospital, Stephen assured his mother, Maureen, that he was fine and has since been resting.
From Market Stalls to TV Stardom
Stephen’s journey to becoming one of ITV’s favorite presenters is deeply rooted in his upbringing.
Raised in East London by parents Christopher and Maureen, who worked as market traders, he credits their hard work for shaping his career.
Growing up alongside three siblings, Stephen honed his people skills working on his father’s market stall before pursuing his passion for magic.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Stephen continues to bring joy to audiences with his wit and charm.
As he closed his act at the Royal Variety Show, he left the audience with a heartfelt tribute: “That was for you, Dad.”
It’s clear that even in the face of personal loss and health struggles, Stephen remains a resilient and beloved entertainer.
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