Presenter Stephen Mulhern on why being reunited with Holly Willoughby for Dancing On Ice is a dream come true
KENZI DEVINE
Stephen Mulhern has arguably stepped into his glitziest role yet, hosting Dancing On Ice alongside long-time pal Holly Willoughby.
It’s a full-circle moment for Stephen, 46, and Holly, who turns 43 this week, as they both rose to prominence in the early noughties with children’s show Saturday Showdown.
As he chats exclusively to
new at The Toy Fair in London, Stephen, who also fronts the quiz Deal Or No Deal, appears to have settled into the prime-time programme well.
“I love it, especially as it’s so new and exciting for me,” the popular presenter tells us, saying it was “meant to be”.
Here, Stephen shares his thoughts on the celebrity competition, opens up on his friendship with Holly and tells us why he’s hoping for some tumbles on the ice.
Hi, Stephen! How is Dancing On Ice going so far?
It’s going really well. I love it because it’s live and anything can happen, there is no delay on the show. Whereas, if something goes wrong on Deal Or No Deal, for example, there are things we can do, but that’s not the case with Dancing On Ice. Although, that does make it more nerve-wracking, which is why it’s great to not only do it with a co-host but to do it with a friend. If something goes wrong from my side, I know Holly will help me out and vice versa.
What’s it like getting to work with Holly again?
Honestly, it’s been great to see her and spend more time with her. Life is life and it’s busy, so it’s good to see her all the time. When I joined the show, Holly’s advice was just to be ourselves and because we’re friends, that comes naturally. We’ve known each other a long time, so I can work out quite easily when she’s going to say something and I’ll stop talking. It makes it so much easier when you know the person you’re hosting alongside.
Does it help that you can lean on her?
It does, it feels a lot safer. I’m really happy to finally have that double act and someone to do things with. I know she’s always got my back and I’ve got hers so that helps, especially for me going into a new show. It’s so nice to have Holly. Every weekend, I get excited to have fun.
Did you and Holly ever see yourselves getting to this place?
I think Holly and I always wished it would happen, but we didn’t know if it would. And now it has, it’s just so lovely. Obviously, Hol
