Stephen Mulhern yells 'stop this' during Royal Variety stint and pays tribute to dad
It's that time of year again as ITV viewers watch a spectacular night filled with stellar performances from the worlds of music, theatre, and comedy. This year, stars Amanda Holden and Alan Carr will be hosting the event, in the presence of His Majesty, King Charles III.
Speaking about hosting the annual event, Amanda Holden said: “It truly is such an honour to be hosting the Royal Variety Performance this year. I’m still pinching myself! This is a dream job and Alan is a true friend, we are already bursting with ideas and excitement, it’s going to be such a fun night!
“I’ve worked on Britain’s Got Talent for 18 years and have been so proud watching all our winners perform for the Royal Family. This year will be no different, so in the words of Sydnie Christmas, let’s av it!”
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During the show, ITV viewers were treated to Stephen Mulhern performing some incredible magic and illusions. However, one moment took an awkward turn when he wanted help from one member in the audience.
Before kicking off his act, he said: "I need to show you this, this here is a detonator. Now, let me tell you, when you press this button here, it changes the entire show. It sets off fireworks, it changes the lighting, it changes the music.
"So, we need somebody very responsible to look after this!" Heading off into the crowd, Stephen walked around until he found the ideal candidate to look after the detonator.
Picking on one gentleman, called Adam, Stephen gave him the control. He said: "At any moment you see, in my act, something that you think is funny, I want you to press that red button and then fireworks, the whole thing; we're going to turn this show into party time, be very careful, be very responsible."
Making his way back onto the stage, Stephen began his act, which included ripping pieces of paper up before 'magically' making them whole. Although it seemed as though there was a touching meaning for the trick.
Stephen said: "Now, I know what you're thinking. Why would I do such a small trick here at the Royal Albert Hall in front of millions of people watching at home?
"Well, there's a reason I do this trick, I don't want to bring the atmosphere down, but my Grandad taught me how to do this trick when I was just 11 years old. Sadly, my Grandad passed away two weeks ago-"
However, that was the moment Adam decided to press the button, causing streamers to go off on stage with bright lights. Stephen yelled: "Stop this! That was the wrong time my friend! What the hell were you thinking?!"
Getting off stage, Stephen ran into the crowd to collect Adam from his seat. He said: "Come with me, no, come with me. Get out, get out. I'm not joking get out, stay out." Stephen then put Adam behind the curtain before continuing with his act.
After finishing his performance, which included levitating host Amanda Holden, the star stopped and took in the applause from the audience. He then said: "That was for you dad."
Stephen, 47, sadly lost his dad Christopher recently. The Britain’s Got More Talent, Catchphrase, Deal or No Deal and Dancing on Ice host hasn't spoken publicly about his loss until the tribute on the stage tonight.
The Royal Variety Performance is available to watch on ITVX
