Stephen Mulhern, 48, dealt fresh blow as lucrative £1m Butlin’s contract scrapped just months after ITV Dancing on Ice axe
Stephen Mulhern’s lucrative £1 million contract with Butlin’s will not be renewed after three years of performing magic shows at the holiday resort chain.
The 48-year-old presenter has entertained thousands of holidaymakers with his stage shows at centres in Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness since returning to the company where he began his career as a Redcoat between 1995 and 1996.
His current deal will conclude after this summer’s performances, with his much-loved live show not returning in 2026.
A spokesperson for Mulhern confirmed the collaboration between the TV star and the holiday brand had ended, whilst a Butlin’s spokesperson said they had nothing to add when asked about reports that Stephen had been dropped as the face of the company.
The presenter’s final show, Out of this World, will celebrate his 25-year career in showbusiness.
A spokesperson for Mulhern told The Mirror: “Stephen has absolutely loved being part of the Butlin’s family – performing his stage shows in front of thousands of holiday makers across the country and the relationship with Butlin’s remains hugely positive.”
They added: “This change allows Stephen to explore new opportunities in the family holiday space – something he’s incredibly passionate about.”
A Butlin’s spokesperson said: “Stephen has been an incredible part of the Butlin’s experience and continues to be a valued member of the family.”
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They confirmed: “Stephen’s much-loved live show won’t return in 2026 after three fantastic years, but we’re thrilled to be working together on ongoing projects this autumn.”
The presenter will continue performing throughout 2025, with dates scheduled at all three Butlin’s locations as part of the ‘Summer Holidays Feat Stephen Mulhern’ package available during selected school holiday breaks.
The Sun broke news of Stephen’s loss of work, with a source saying: “Stephen has been a massive hit with holidaymakers. He began his career as a Redcoat and has kept families brilliantly entertained.”
The presenter first developed his passion for magic at age 11, learning tricks from his father and performing during childhood holidays at Butlin’s.
He worked as a Redcoat at Minehead Butlin’s between 1995 and 1996 before breaking into television work, initially presenting children’s programmes on CITV including Finger Tips and Tricky TV.
Speaking ahead of his final shows, Mulhern explained his connection to the resort chain: “The answer is simple. Butlin’s gave me my very first break into the entertainment industry. I was a Redcoat in Minehead for two years and I’ve never looked back.”
He added: “I owe a lot to Butlin’s and that’s why I love coming back and performing here.”
The end of Mulhern’s Butlin’s contract marks the latest in a series of professional setbacks for the presenter.
Earlier this year, ITV axed Dancing on Ice after ratings declined following Mulhern’s appointment as co-host alongside Holly Willoughby in 2024, replacing Phillip Schofield.
His Saturday night game show, In For A Penny, was also cancelled last year after six series, though sources suggested it could potentially return in the future.
The presenter has also faced personal challenges, including the death of his father, Christopher, in November and a health scare that saw him collapse at a Pizza Express after undergoing surgery.
During his Royal Variety Performance last December, Mulhern paid tribute to his late father, telling the audience: “That was for you dad.”
Despite these setbacks, Mulhern continues with several television projects including Deal or No Deal, Catchphrase, You Bet and a new travel show, The Accidental Tourist.