The short answer is no. Stephen Mulhern is not married, has never been married, and does not have a wife. This straightforward fact often surprises fans of the beloved British television presenter, given his decades in the public eye and his welcoming, family-friendly on-screen persona. However, the Catchphrase and Deal or No Deal host has always drawn a clear line between his professional success and his private life, keeping the details of his romantic world largely out of the spotlight.
The question “is Stephen Mulhern married” frequently trends online, not because of any hidden wedding, but precisely because of his carefully maintained privacy. The Stratford-born entertainer has been a staple on British television since the late 1990s, first gaining recognition as a magician and children’s TV presenter before becoming a household name on ITV. His career trajectory includes hosting Britain’s Got More Talent from 2007 to 2019, taking over Catchphrase in 2013, and more recently stepping into the high-profile role of host for the revived Deal or No Deal in 2023. Through all this success, however, his personal life has remained a mystery.
At 48 years old, Stephen Mulhern is considered one of the UK’s most eligible bachelors. He has chosen to focus his energy on his demanding career rather than pursuing a high-profile relationship. In a 2018 interview, he admitted that his schedule had left little room for romance, revealing that he had not been on a date in years. He has since spoken about his nonexistent love life with self-deprecating humour, jokingly acknowledging that his workaholic tendencies have made it difficult to meet someone. His dedication to his craft appears to be the primary reason he remains single.
While Stephen has never had a wife, he has had one significant public relationship. From 2008 to 2011, he was romantically linked to EastEnders actress Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell on the long-running BBC soap. The two met while starring together in a pantomime production of Snow White at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. Barton played the lead role while Mulhern took on the character of Muddles. Their shared time on stage in the theatre environment helped forge a connection that lasted for approximately three years. Despite being spotted together during this period, the couple kept their relationship largely out of the public eye.
Their romance eventually came to a conclusion in 2011. Friends close to the pair suggested the split was amicable and stemmed from a mutual decision to prioritise their careers. Stephen later described the end of his time with Emma as coming to a “natural end,” a phrase that suggests there was no drama or scandal behind their separation. Since this relationship, he has not publicly confirmed any other serious romantic partnerships. Barton has since moved on and is now reportedly in a relationship with musician Jason Perry, the lead singer of the rock band A.
More recently, in 2024, speculation about Stephen’s love life reignited when he was photographed holding hands with fellow ITV presenter Josie Gibson. The pair were seen backstage after filming the finale of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, leading to a flurry of gossip columns and tabloid headlines suggesting a new romance was blossoming. The close friendship between the two popular television personalities led many to believe that there was more to their connection.
However, Josie Gibson was quick to address the rumours directly and put the speculation to rest. In a candid interview, she clarified that there was “no romance in the air” and that she and Stephen are simply “really good friends” and “best friends.” She explained that her interactions with male colleagues are often misinterpreted by the press, and the hand-holding moment was simply a friendly gesture, with Stephen showing her where to stand after she missed rehearsals. This public clarification officially debunked the dating rumours, confirming that their relationship is strictly platonic.
Stephen is also close friends with some of the biggest names in British entertainment. He has a tight-knit circle that includes Ant and Dec, Holly Willoughby, and Emma Willis. He has known Ant and Dec for over 26 years, as their careers overlapped during their time on children’s television. In interviews, he has spoken warmly about the importance of these friendships, noting that they support each other both on and off screen. He also emphasised the value of having friends outside the entertainment industry, particularly his family, who keep him grounded.
When it comes to the future, Stephen has expressed a desire to have children someday. In a rare personal confession from 2014, he told The Mirror: “There’s plenty of time for that yet and would I like kids one day? Absolutely. Of course.” He even used Simon Cowell, who became a father at 54, as an example to illustrate that he is in no rush. However, he also acknowledged that he doesn’t miss having a partner because his career keeps him so busy. This revelation suggests that while he is open to love and family, he is comfortable with his current single status.
Ultimately, Stephen Mulhern has crafted a successful career by being a warm and entertaining presence on screen, but he has also made a conscious choice to keep his heart off screen. He has never been married and has no wife. He has no children, and despite the occasional media rumour, he is not currently in a public relationship. His status as one of England’s most eligible bachelors is the result of a deliberate focus on his work. For fans of the presenter, the answer to whether Stephen Mulhern is married is simple, yet the reason behind it reveals a man who values privacy and personal autonomy above public curiosity.Frequently Asked Questions About Stephen Mulhern’s Relationship Status
Does Stephen Mulhern have a wife?
No, Stephen Mulhern does not have a wife and has never been married. He remains single and has no current public partner.
Is Stephen Mulhern dating Josie Gibson?
No. While the two ITV presenters were linked romantically in 2024 after being photographed together, Josie Gibson publicly clarified that they are simply “really good friends” and “best friends,” firmly denying any romantic involvement.
Did Stephen Mulhern ever propose to Emma Barton?
There is no verified record of an engagement between Stephen Mulhern and Emma Barton. The couple dated from 2008 to 2011, but neither party has ever confirmed a proposal or engagement during their three-year relationship.
Why has Stephen Mulhern never married?
Stephen has cited his demanding work schedule as the primary reason for remaining single. In a 2018 interview, he admitted he had not been on a date in years, explaining that his television commitments, including hosting Catchphrase, Deal or No Deal, and various ITV specials, leave little time for romance.
Does Stephen Mulhern want children?
Yes. In a 2014 interview with The Mirror, Stephen expressed his desire to have children someday, stating “absolutely” when asked if he would like kids. He has also mentioned that he is in no rush, using Simon Cowell’s experience of becoming a father at 54 as an example.
