Stephen Mulhern rushed to hospital after 'collapsing following operation'

Stephen Mulhern was taken to hospital after being taken ill at a restaurant. The star collapsed at a Pizza Express following an operation.

The Deal Or No Deal star, who has been mourning the death of his beloved father, had previously undergone an operation earlier in the day. Stephen, 47, was checked over in hospital as a precuation after an ambulance was called to the restaurant on Wednesday night.

A source told The Sun: “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. He’s also been battling several well-documented health problems, and on Wednesday morning had a procedure requiring a local anaesthetic.

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“He took himself off for a quiet, solo dinner that evening, had a few drinks and just reacted incredibly badly." They added that Stephen was now resting at home.

A spokesman for Stephen told the publication: "Stephen has had an incredibly tough time over the past few weeks. His beloved father recently passed away which has hit him hard and has been understandably very stressful. In addition, he had a surgical procedure.

“Following the anaesthetic administered, he had a few drinks which made him unwell and he was taken in to hospital as a precaution. He is now back home recovering.”

It is understood that Stephen has been given support by his team, ITV bosses and long-term pal Holly Willoughby — his co-host for the return of challenge show You Bet! - following the loss of his dad Christopher, which forced him to cancel shows at Butlins.