Stephen Mulhern 'overwhelmed' by fans' reaction to him covering for Phillip Schofield

Stephen Mulhern could have his sights set on Phillip Schofield's job after talking about the fan reaction to him stepping in for the presenter.

The 45-year-old magician, who covered Phil's gig on Strictly Come Dancing in February, said he was "overwhelmed" by the support.

It was the first time that he was beside his pal Holly Willoughby on screen for the first time in 16 years.

He said that it was "lovely" to work with her again after they both started their careers together on CITV.

"I was astounded by the reaction from social media because it was overwhelming to be honest," he told The sun.

Stephen gained even more popularity on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway (PA)

"We just had a great time and it was just nice to step in. Phil wasn't feeling too well.

When he was asked if he'd cover Phillip, 60, again on the show, he said: "It was lovely doing live TV as well, it was just exciting. So yes, would I go back, the answer is yes."

But making sure to reassure his pal Phil, he said that his job was "safe" and that he would only fill in on a temporary basis.

Stephen already has a pretty hectic schedule with his gigs on Catchphrase, Rolling In It and In For A Penny and, of course, pops up on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

Stephen started his career at Butlin's when he was just 17 (PA)

Stephen and Holly Willoughby are good friends and met when they both worked on children's television (Getty Images)

He started his TV career in 1998 and has since been on some of the biggest shows.

Before the screen he worked at Butlins as a red coat, which gave him the hunger to perform and entertain.

The 45-year-old is returning to the holiday camp as the headline act this summer.

When he was just 17 years old he got the job when he went to Butlins on a family holiday.

In a similar way to how he helped keep Dancing On Ice afloat when Phil was ill with Covid, he stepped in for Butlins.

He's often found himself in some pretty funny situations during his career (ITV)

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Stephen explained that his dad asked one of the Butlin's staff members if he could do a little show and he was given the chance.

The head of entertainment asked if he would ever become a Redcoat – which was where it all started for Stephen.

He performed magic tricks, the skill that whizzed him to fame.

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