Mulhern joins I'm A Celebrity spin-off after 2024 hospitalization
The comedian will appear on Unpacked as it returns later this month, following a 2024 collapse caused by a reaction to alcohol and anesthesia.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Stephen Mulhern will make his television debut on the I'm A Celebrity spin-off Unpacked, airing later this month. The 49-year-old entertainer, known for his work as a magician and former Britain's Got Talent host, has been largely away from the screen since a medical incident in 2024.
Mulhern's return follows a period of low-profile activity. He collapsed at a Pizza Express in Sunningdale, Berkshire, after a surgical procedure. His spokesperson stated at the time that the comedian had recently lost his father, Christopher, who died at age 76. The combination of grief and a recent operation contributed to a difficult period. During a meal, Mulhern consumed alcohol that reacted with the anesthesia still in his system, leading to his hospitalization.
Producers for Unpacked are eager to have Mulhern participate in the show's social events. A source told The Sun that the team hopes he will undertake a Bushtucker Trial. The source noted that Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who hosted Saturday Night Takeaway until its 2024 hiatus, have missed working with Mulhern. They view the invitation as a way to celebrate their friendship and loyalty to their colleagues.
Mulhern had been a regular guest on Saturday Night Takeaway from 2016 until it stopped airing. He hosted recurring segments such as Ant vs Dec. He also appeared on The Accidental Tourist last year, a show where the Geordie duo pushed participants through a high-pressure bucket list that included extreme acupuncture and raw seafood. His previous absence from television raised concerns among fans, particularly after he missed two episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway in 2022. He later explained that he had been resting on doctor's orders following a hospital stay.
Unpacked will air after the main I'm A Celebrity.. Get Me Out of Here! show on ITV. Kemi Rodgers and Sam Thompson will host the new series, replacing Joel Dommett. The program will run for three weeks, with guests spending five days in the jungle. Mulhern will appear alongside former contestant GK Barry. The main I'm A Celebrity series returns to ITV and ITVX on Monday, November 16, 2026.
A source indicated that the crew is excited about Mulhern's participation. They noted his close relationship with Ant and Dec, suggesting potential crossover moments during the show. While the current role is a guest spot, producers have expressed hope that he could become a main contestant in the future. Mulhern has previously joked about the cost of appearing in the main jungle, once telling The Mirror that he would need a fee of £3 million to consider competing.
The main I'm A Celebrity series this year is expected to feature several high-profile names. Rumors suggest Wayne Rooney, comedian Leigh Francis, Joanna Page, AJ Odudu, and Ricky Wilson may join the camp. Mulhern's return marks his first major television appearance since the 2024 health scare and the passing of his father.
The spin-off format allows for a rolling lineup of famous faces. Each guest stays for a five-day period within the three-week broadcast window. This structure differs from the main show, where contestants remain for a longer duration. Mulhern's participation adds a familiar face to the new hosting team of Rodgers and Thompson.
