Stephen Mulhern reveals how long he’s booked up for Dancing On Ice – and says judging panel is ‘too harsh’
STEPHEN Mulhern has revealed he’s currently only booked up to host the current series of Dancing On Ice – but thinks he’ll be back for more with Holly Willoughby.
The 46-year-old TV legend was picked to take over from Phillip Schofield after months of uncertainty for the show, which also saw Holly‘s place in question.
The pair have been a huge hit with fans and Mulhern is desperate to carry on doing the show – but he doesn’t know what the future has in store.
He told us at The London Toy Fair today: “I’m definitely doing the whole series. Of course, next year I’d love to do it.”
The presenter added: “Also bizarrely out of all the shows Strictly, I’m A Celeb, if I was a contestant I’ve always wanted to go on that. Because I’ve always wanted to ice skate.”
He admitted he has been surprised by some of the votes from the judges – which has at times raised eyebrows amongst fans.
Mulhern said he would be “more generous” if he was a judge, describing some of the decisions so far as “harsh”.
“So I am watching (the skating) and some of the judges scores I think, wow, that’s a bit harsh, because we’re only in week two now,” he said.
“We’ve seen six of each, and the judges, yeah I’m like, ‘Wow, I thought they’d give more than that!’
“We’ll have to see how the show goes on, but hopefully they’ll be a bit more generous.
“But of course they’re looking for different things than me. Jane and Chris they are the professionals. And Ashley looks for the sort of choreography side of things and Oti looks at how good they look, and speed across the ice.
“But sometimes, I do think I would be a more generous scorer. Did you see Eddie The Eagle? He was amazing.”
Working with Holly Willoughby again has been an added bonus for Stephen.
He said: “That’s why the show is so enjoyable. Dancing On Ice, anyone can fall over.
He added with a cheeky wink: “Not to say I like it when people fall over. But it is quite funny… so yeah I really enjoy that.
“There’s not many shows out there where you get to do live TV and also I get to do a show with Holly which I haven’t done in so long.
“I trust Holly and she trusts me. We’re having a really nice time.
“You know having stood in once (when Phillip had Covid last year) – which is also quite weird that it’s gone full circle – I’m loving it.”
The humble Saturday Night Takeaway and In For A Penny star last year revived Deal Or No Deal for ITV.
The reboot coincided with Mulhern and his brother releasing a Deal Or No Deal card game through their company, Big Sky Games.
He said growing up in a big family they always loved games, and he’s been lucky enough to collaborate with the shows he’s worked on and release game versions of them.
He said: “The only board game they’d had was when Noel Edmonds did it. So we’ve brought out a brand new version. And I am really excited to see people playing it.
“I think there’s nothing better than playing a game with your friends or family at home. Get off the computers, get off your phones for a bit, and play a proper board game. It generates fun for your family, with your friends, at a dinner party. Deal Or No Deal, even In For A Penny is a board game. So you’ve got the chance to play the games you love to see on the telly in your home.”
Deal or No Deal ran for years on Channel 4 when it was fronted by former I’m A Celeb star Noel Edmonds.