It was revealed yesterday that Stephen Mulhern has ‘stepped down from hosting ITV’s The Big Soap Quiz’ following the death of his father, Christopher. 

The presenter, 47, has also been battling well-documented health issues since 2022, with it revealed last week that he was hospitalised after collapsing following a reaction to anaesthetic. 

But Stephen has now returned to his lavish £1.6million home while he recovers from his illness and mourns the loss of his father Christopher. 

Stephen is thought to have bought his hideaway, situated within a prestigious gated development in leafy Chiswick, west London, for £1.6million two years ago. 

The seemingly single star is reported to live in alone in the pristine four-storey townhouse – which has a garage on the ground floor, its own garden and is just yards from the river. 

His open-plan abode has been lovingly decorated and features bespoke modern fittings as well as eye-catching contemporary ceiling spotlights dotted around the property.

It was revealed yesterday that Stephen Mulhern has ‘stepped down from hosting ITV ’s The Big Soap Quiz’ following the death of his father, Christopher

But Stephen has now returned to his lavish £1.6million home while he recovers from his illness and mourns the loss of his father Christopher (Pictured together in 2018)

It was previously listed for sale last November before being taken off the market and estate agent pictures show the immaculate property, which has three double bedrooms and three bathrooms, has been given a glamorous makeover. 

Stephen often gives his 766k Instagram followers a glimpse inside the property in postings. 

The area of London, which has been billed as the ‘new Notting Hill’, boasts a list of celebrity residents including fellow TV presenter Declan Donnelly, actor David Tennant, and radio hosts Jamie Theakston and Jeremy Vine. 

Stephen is currently thought to be single, with his last confirmed relationship in 2008 to soap star Emma Barton. The pair split in 2011.

The presenter, known for fronting shows like Catchphrase, Dancing on Ice, and Deal or No Deal, has faced a challenging few weeks after the heartbreaking loss of his father Christopher.

According to The Sun former Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay, 51, will take over hosting duties for the 2024 edition of The Big Soap as a result. 

Sally is no stranger to the soap world, having played Shelley Unwin on the cobbles from 2001 to 2006.

The Big Soap Quiz pits stars from Coronation Street against their Emmerdale counterparts in a battle of soap knowledge.

Stephen has now returned to his lavish £1.6million home while he recovers from his illness and mourns the loss of his father Christopher (Pictured left in his living and right in his kitchen)

The presenter, 47, has also been battling well-documented health issues since 2022, with it revealed last week that he was hospitalised after collapsing following a reaction to anaesthetic 

The seemingly single star is reported to live in alone in the pristine four-storey townhouse – which has a garage on the ground floor, its own garden and is just yards from the river

The show traditionally features team captains Jack P. Shepherd, who plays David Platt on Corrie, and Mark Charnock, best known as Marlon Dingle from Emmerdale. 

However, ITV has yet to announce this year’s team captains or which cast members will face questions on the biggest soap highlights of the yea

MailOnline contacted ITV, Stephen and Sally’s representatives for comment at the time.  

Stephen, who usually keeps his personal life private, was reported to have been hospitalised on Wednesday after he collapsed while eating at a Pizza Express.

The TV favourite reacted to an anaesthetic he had earlier in the day while having a drink. 

According to The Sun, an ambulance was called for Stephen after staff became concerned for him at around 8pm. 

As a precaution, he was taken from Sunningdale, Berks, to nearby Frimley Park hospital in Camberley, Surrey, after being checked over by paramedics.

A source said: ‘Stephen has been going through an incredibly tough time of late. He is grieving the loss of his dad to whom he was so, so close. 

Former Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay, 51, is thought to be taking over hosting duties for tThe Big Soap Quiz whilst Stephen takes some time off

Stephen, who usually keeps his personal life private, was reported to have been hospitalised on Wednesday after he collapsed while eating at a Pizza Express

Stephen has been receiving continuous support from his team, ITV bosses and long-term friend and colleague Holly Willoughby (pictured with Holly on Dancing On Ice in February, 2024)

‘He’s also been battling several well-documented health problems, and on Wednesday morning had a procedure requiring a local anaesthetic. 

‘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.’

After paramedics helped Stephen, he was put on the phone to his mother to ᴀssure her that he was OK. 

Read More Could Stephen Mulhern’s role in Holly Willoughby’s big comeback be at risk?

He is now at home resting up and is mortified to have had such a public reaction to the anaesthetic. 

A spokesperson for Stephen told MailOnline: ‘Stephen has had an incredibly tough time over the past few weeks. His beloved father recently pᴀssed 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.’

Stephen has been receiving continuous support from his team, ITV bosses and long-term friend and colleague Holly Willoughby.  

The Deal Or No Deal star was born in east London in 1977 to market trader parents Christopher and Maureen. 

He started off as a magician before going on to become one of Britain’s most popular TV presenters.

He has credited his success to his parents saying: ‘I don’t mean to sound soppy, but they worked so incredibly hard to bring up me and my two brothers and sister.’

He has credited his success to his parents saying: ‘I don’t mean to sound soppy, but they worked so incredibly hard to bring up me and my two brothers and sister.’

Stephen began his career on CITV in 1998, working on children’s TV show Finger Tips with Fearne Cotton. He also enjoyed a solo presenting stint with children’s show Tricky TV from 2005 to 2010 and co-hosted Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown (originally called Ministry of Mayhem) with Holly Willoughby in the Noughties.

He made the leap to adults TV in 2006 when he presented the ITV2 spin-off Dancing on Ice: Defrosted, while former co-host Holly and Phillip Schofield hosted the main show.

He also worked alongside the pair when he presented inside The Hub, a small segment on This Morning.

Stephen landed another spin-off the following year, hosting ITV2 spin-off Britain’s Got More Talent, while the main show was presented by Ant & Dec.