Stephen Mulhern, the beloved British television presenter, magician, and host of Catchphrase, Deal or No Deal, and Dancing on Ice, has long been a fan favorite for his charm and quick wit. Known for keeping his personal life out of the spotlight, Mulhern has rarely shared details about his romantic endeavors, making any glimpse into his love life a major event for fans. Recently, the 47-year-old star sent shockwaves through social media when he appeared at a glamorous night party in London, arm-in-arm with a mysterious new girlfriend. The catch? Her identity has left fans utterly “frozen” with surprise, sparking a flurry of speculation and excitement. Who is this enigmatic woman, and why has her presence caused such a stir?
A Night to Remember: The Party That Stole Headlines
The event in question was a star-studded bash held at a chic London venue on May 3, 2025, attended by a host of celebrities, including This Morning’s Josie Gibson, Britain’s Got Talent judges Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli, and Loose Women star Denise Welch. Described as a “night of glitz and glamour,” the party was reportedly a celebration for a new ITV project, with Mulhern as one of the key figures involved. Photos and videos from the evening, shared on X and Instagram by attendees, captured Mulhern looking dapper in a tailored navy suit, beaming as he danced and mingled with a striking woman by his side.
Eyewitnesses described the pair as “inseparable,” with Mulhern introducing her to friends and colleagues throughout the night. One X post from a guest read, “Stephen Mulhern was the life of the party, and his new lady was absolutely stunning! They couldn’t stop smiling. 😍 #WhoIsShe?” Another attendee noted, “Stephen seemed happier than ever, holding her hand and whispering in her ear. It’s clear he’s smitten!” The woman, described as elegant with long brunette hair and a radiant smile, wore a shimmering silver dress that turned heads, but her face was partially obscured in most photos, adding to the mystery.
The Mystery Woman: Why Fans Are “Frozen”
What has fans reeling isn’t just the fact that Mulhern has a new romantic interest—after all, he’s been linked to high-profile names like EastEnders actress Emma Barton in the past—but the unexpected clues about her identity. While Mulhern hasn’t publicly confirmed her name, whispers from the event and social media sleuthing have pointed to a surprising possibility: the woman may be a well-known figure from the entertainment world, potentially someone from the Dancing on Ice circle, given Mulhern’s recent role as co-host alongside Holly Willoughby.
The term “frozen” began trending on X as fans connected the dots to Dancing on Ice, a show themed around ice skating, and speculated that the mystery woman could be a professional skater or a former contestant. One popular theory suggests she might be a former Dancing on Ice champion, with names like Vanessa Bauer or Alexandra Schauman floating around fan discussions. A post on X speculated, “Is Stephen dating a Dancing on Ice pro? That would explain why fans are ‘frozen’—it’s too perfect! ❄️💃 #StephenMulhern.” Another user wrote, “If she’s from DOI, no wonder everyone’s shocked. Stephen’s gone from private to power couple! 😱”
However, other theories suggest she could be someone outside the skating world but still recognizable, possibly a television personality or actress who has worked with Mulhern on past projects. The lack of clear photos and Mulhern’s silence on the matter have only fueled the frenzy, with fans combing through party footage for hints. One thing is certain: her identity is a hot topic, and the secrecy has kept the internet buzzing.
Mulhern’s Private Past and Public Present
Mulhern’s appearance with a new girlfriend marks a significant departure from his usual approach to privacy. Over the years, he has been notoriously tight-lipped about his love life. His most publicized relationship was with EastEnders star Emma Barton, whom he dated from 2008 to 2011 after meeting during a pantomime production of Snow White. The couple parted ways amicably, with Mulhern later describing the split as a “natural end.” In 2018, he told Celebs Now that he hadn’t been on a date in four years, citing his hectic work schedule and admitting, “I need a life. I need to stop working so much.”
More recently, Mulhern was linked to This Morning presenter Josie Gibson after they were spotted holding hands during rehearsals for Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway in April 2024. Gibson playfully shut down romance rumors, joking to MailOnline, “I’m in love with Stephen Mulhern. There you go. But story of my life, I don’t think he loves me.” The lighthearted exchange confirmed their close friendship but left fans wondering if Mulhern was still single—until now.
The timing of this reveal is notable, coming on the heels of a challenging year for Mulhern. In 2024, he mourned the loss of his father, Christopher, and faced health struggles, including a hospital visit after collapsing at a restaurant. His emotional tribute to his father during the 2024 Royal Variety Performance and his return to Dancing on Ice in 2025 have shown a more vulnerable side, making his newfound happiness at the party all the more heartwarming for fans.
Fan Reactions: From Shock to Support
The internet has been ablaze with reactions to Mulhern’s new romance, ranging from excitement to playful detective work. On X, fans have expressed a mix of joy and curiosity. One user posted, “Stephen Mulhern with a mystery girlfriend? My heart’s happy for him, but I NEED to know who she is! 🕵️♀️ #Frozen.” Another wrote, “He’s been through so much this year. Seeing Stephen smiling with someone special is everything. 🥂💖.” Some fans, however, are protective, urging others to respect his privacy: “Let Stephen enjoy his happiness without turning it into a guessing game. He deserves this. 🙌 #TeamMulhern.”
Media outlets have also jumped on the story, with OK! Magazine running a headline, “Stephen Mulhern’s Secret Girlfriend Stuns at ITV Bash,” and The Mirror teasing, “Dancing on Ice Host’s New Love Leaves Fans Speechless.” The speculation has even reached LGBTQ+ communities, with some referencing Mulhern’s recent statement about sexuality—where he posted about embracing his truth with a rainbow emoji—as a possible hint that his new partner could be part of a broader, inclusive love story. However, without confirmation, these remain theories.
What’s Next for Stephen and His Mystery Lady?
As Mulhern prepares for another season of Dancing on Ice and continues hosting Deal or No Deal, all eyes are on whether he’ll share more about his new relationship. Will he bring his girlfriend to future red-carpet events, or keep her identity under wraps, true to his private nature? The party appearance suggests he’s more open than before, but Mulhern has always been a master of surprises, much like the magic tricks he performed in his early career.
For now, fans are left to speculate about the woman who has captured the heart of one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors. Whether she’s a Dancing on Ice star, a fellow presenter, or someone entirely unexpected, her presence has undeniably sparked a new chapter for Mulhern. As one X post put it, “Stephen Mulhern’s got a new love, and we’re all frozen in anticipation! Here’s to their happiness. 🥂🌟 #LoveIsLove.”
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