Stephen Mulhern is about to reveal a side of himself that fans have never seen before. Known for his cheeky TV persona, Mulhern, 48, is stepping out of his comfort zone in a way that will shock viewers in his new ITV show, Accidental Tourist. In this deeply personal documentary, he confronts his fears head-on, including his phobias about food, unfamiliar places, and even swimming in the sea.
For over 20 years, Stephen has been one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers, making his mark as a magician and presenter on shows like Britain’s Got More Talent and Catchphrase. But behind the camera, he admits that his life has been one of repetition and avoidance. “I’m like a 70-year-old man in a 47-year-old body,” he confesses, revealing that he has always shied away from anything that takes him out of his comfort zone.
But in Accidental Tourist, with the help of his friends Ant and Dec, Stephen embarks on a transformative journey to South Korea, a country full of new experiences that challenge his deepest fears. From trying new foods to diving into the sea, Stephen faces his demons in ways he never thought possible.
One of the most shocking moments comes when Stephen meets with a Korean mudang (a shamanic healer), who reveals something deeply personal: that he was seriously ill a few years ago. The ritual that follows, which involves a bizarre yet spiritual process, leaves Stephen rattled, but also reflective about his health scare and the loss of his father.
“The ritual brought everything back,” he says. “It reminded me how fragile life is. How important time is. That’s stayed with me. It’s one of the reasons I feel so different now.”
Stephen also tackles his longstanding food phobia by attempting Korea’s mukbang culture, where people devour mountains of seafood on camera. For Stephen, this means eating prawns, octopus, and even the infamous “penis fish” – a challenge that pushes him far beyond his usual limits.
But perhaps the biggest transformation happens when he faces his fear of the sea. In a tearful moment, Stephen forces himself to dive into the ocean alongside freedivers, pushing through his anxiety to finally touch the sea floor. “I’ve never felt so happy or tired in my life,” he admits, revealing a profound sense of accomplishment.
Stephen’s journey in Accidental Tourist is more than just an adventure – it’s a life-changing experience that shows how confronting your fears can lead to incredible personal growth. “If I can do it, someone who could barely try a prawn, then honestly, anyone can,” he says.
The show, which will air on ITV on December 14, promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, giving viewers an intimate look at Stephen like never before.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/