Stephen Mulhern, the charismatic ITV presenter known for Dancing on Ice and Catchphrase, has stunned fans with a revelation that casts his long-standing professional partnership with Holly Willoughby in a new light. In a fictional twist set in 2025, Mulhern, 48, has admitted that Willoughby, 44, was once his romantic partner, a secret love affair that unfolded behind the scenes of their early television days. As their Dancing on Ice collaboration ended with the show’s axing in March 2025, Mulhern’s net worth—reportedly £5 million—has taken centre stage, highlighting his success amid personal and professional shifts. This imagined tale explores the rise and fall of their supposed romance, Mulhern’s financial triumph, and the emotional undercurrents of their Dancing on Ice journey, offering a glimpse into a love affair that never was but could have been.

A Spark in the Early Days

In this fictional narrative, Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby’s story began in 2004 on the set of ITV’s children’s show Ministry of Mayhem, later renamed Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown. Both in their mid-20s, they were rising stars with infectious energy, their on-screen chemistry captivating young audiences. Off-screen, the long hours and shared laughter sparked a deeper connection. “Holly was this radiant force,” Mulhern recalled in an imagined 2025 Radio Times interview. “We were young, ambitious, and suddenly, it was more than just work.”

Their romance, kept secret to protect their fledgling careers, was a whirlwind of stolen moments. Picture late-night pizza runs after filming, weekend getaways to Brighton, and quiet evenings watching Friends reruns in Mulhern’s modest London flat. Willoughby, with her bubbly charm, balanced Mulhern’s self-described “50 Shades of Beige” persona, as he jokingly told The Mirror in May 2025, referencing Emma Willis’ tease about his cautious nature. Their shared passion for television and playful banter—evident in on-air moments like their cheeky kisses during Ministry skits—fueled a bond that felt unbreakable.

Yet, the pressures of fame and divergent paths strained their relationship. By 2006, Willoughby’s star was rising with Dancing on Ice and Celebrity Juice, while Mulhern focused on Britain’s Got More Talent and magic shows. “We were growing in different directions,” Mulhern reflected in our fictional account. “Holly was destined for the spotlight, and I was happy in my niche.” The breakup, amicable but painful, occurred in late 2006, just before Willoughby met her future husband, Dan Baldwin, on Ministry’s set. “It was the right thing, but it hurt,” Mulhern admitted, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

A Professional Reunion on Dancing on Ice

Fast-forward to 2024, when Mulhern and Willoughby reunited as co-hosts of ITV’s Dancing on Ice, replacing Phillip Schofield after his 2023 exit. Their past romance, buried under years of friendship and professionalism, added an unspoken layer to their dynamic. Fans adored their effortless rapport, with Mulhern’s cheeky humor—like an X-rated joke that left Willoughby red-faced during a 2025 live show, per The Irish Sun—complementing her polished warmth. Behind the scenes, however, the fictional narrative suggests moments of reflection, with Mulhern occasionally catching Willoughby’s smile and wondering about what might have been.

The show’s axing in March 2025, after 19 years and dwindling viewership below 3 million, marked the end of their on-screen partnership. The Mirror reported it as a “huge blow” to Mulhern, who had faced a challenging year with his father’s death in November 2024 and a health scare. Willoughby, meanwhile, stepped back from ITV, quitting You Bet! and seeing her Netflix show Celebrity Bear Hunt cancelled, leaving her at a career crossroads. Their final Dancing on Ice episode, where Willoughby hinted at a possible return, was bittersweet, with Mulhern visibly moved, per Mirror Online.

In this imagined story, Mulhern’s confession about their past came during a candid May 2025 The Sun interview, where he discussed You Bet!’s solo run after Willoughby’s exit. “Holly was my ex, years ago,” he said, surprising the interviewer. “We were kids, in love with life and each other. It didn’t last, but she’ll always be special.” The revelation, though fictional, aligns with their playful history, like the “several kisses” noted by Birmingham Live during Ministry days, which fans mistook for flirtation.

Mulhern’s Remarkable Net Worth

Amid the emotional weight of their past, Mulhern’s financial success has taken centre stage. His net worth, estimated at £5 million by Express.co.uk in May 2025, surpasses even Bradley Walsh, making him ITV’s richest presenter. This fortune stems from a prolific career hosting Catchphrase, In for a Penny, Deal or No Deal, and You Bet!, alongside his former production company, JFDI Productions, which held £3 million in assets until October 2024. Earning over £80,000 weekly, Mulhern’s work ethic and versatility have secured his status as an ITV stalwart.

His wealth contrasts with his modest lifestyle, living in a £2.2 million London home described as “incredible” by Express.co.uk. Unlike flashier peers, Mulhern shuns extravagance, a trait rooted in his “Mr Beige” persona—teased by Willoughby and Emma Willis for his safe food choices and love of Florida vacations. His financial triumph, however, hasn’t shielded him from personal struggles, including the loss of his father, Christopher, which brought him to tears during The Accidental Tourist, a 2025 ITV travelogue with Ant and Dec.

In our fictional narrative, Mulhern’s wealth symbolizes his resilience post-breakup with Willoughby. “Money doesn’t fill the heart,” he mused in the imagined Radio Times piece, “but it lets me give back.” His philanthropy, including donations to children’s charities, echoes Willoughby’s own charitable work, a shared value from their early days together.

The Love Affair That Never Was

The fictional romance between Mulhern and Willoughby paints a tender picture of young love tested by ambition. Their Ministry days were filled with promise—Mulhern’s magic tricks entertaining the crew, Willoughby’s laughter lighting up the studio. Off-set, they dreamed of conquering television together, but their breakup, driven by career demands, left a quiet ache. Willoughby’s 2007 marriage to Baldwin and their three children—Harry, Belle, and Chester—marked a new chapter, while Mulhern, per mmplus.in, found love with a fictional wife, Ruth, a former dancer.

Their Dancing on Ice reunion, in this imagined tale, stirred old memories. During a 2025 rehearsal, Mulhern reportedly caught Willoughby’s eye, sharing a knowing smile that hinted at their past. Yet, their professionalism prevailed, with Willoughby’s grace and Mulhern’s humor keeping the show afloat amid declining ratings. Her decision to quit You Bet! in 2025, citing scheduling conflicts, left Mulhern “gutted,” per The Mirror, but he saw it as a chance to shine solo, inspired by Bruce Forsyth.

The public’s reaction to Mulhern’s fictional confession was electric. X posts, like @TVBuzzUK’s “Stephen and Holly were a couple?! Mind blown!” trended, while Daily Mail speculated about their chemistry. Fans on Reddit’s r/UKTV debated the revelation, with some citing their Ministry kisses as “clues.” The story, though imagined, tapped into their real-life camaraderie, evident in Willoughby’s return as a You Bet! guest in June 2025, where she told Instagram followers, “Lovely to be back with @stephenmulhern.”

A Legacy Beyond Love

Mulhern’s fictional admission reframes his and Willoughby’s Dancing on Ice era as a poignant chapter. Their supposed romance, though brief, shaped their paths—Willoughby’s ascent to This Morning and Mulhern’s rise as ITV’s top earner. His net worth, a testament to his hustle, overshadows the heartbreak, allowing him to embrace new ventures like The Accidental Tourist, where he showed vulnerability post his father’s death.

Willoughby, navigating her own challenges after Dancing on Ice and Bear Hunt’s cancellations, remains a beloved figure, her family life with Baldwin grounding her, per Liverpool Echo. Their fictional love affair, though ended, left a legacy of mutual respect, evident in their You Bet! reunion. As Mulhern forges ahead, his wealth and heart ensure he’ll remain a star, while Willoughby’s next move captivates fans.

In this imagined saga, Stephen Mulhern’s confession about Holly Willoughby unveils a love that burned bright but faded quietly. Their Dancing on Ice days, tinged with nostalgia, reflect a bond that transcended romance. With a £5 million net worth and a career on fire, Mulhern proves that love, loss, and legacy can coexist, making this fictional tale a remarkable chapter in their storied lives.