Stephen Mulhern responds after being punched on Dancing On Ice

by · Mail Online

Stephen Mulhern has spoken out after being 'punched' by boxer Ricky Hatton during his Dancing On Ice debut on Sunday.

The new series saw Holly Willoughby, 42, back on TV, almost three months after she learned of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, with Stephen making his debut as Phillip Schofield's replacement.

During his first appearance as the new co-host of the ITV show, Stephen was sent flying by contestant Ricky, 45, as he landed a powerful blow in a pre-arranged skit.

Addressing the 'punch', Stephen has confessed that it 'hurt a lot' despite it being a joke, as he admitted he 'forgot' how strong the boxer is when agreeing to it.

He told MailOnline: 'Ricky is one strong man, I asked him to punch me as a gag forgetting for a moment that he is a three time boxing world champion and yes it hurt, a lot!' 

Stephen Mulhern has responded after being 'punched' by boxer Ricky Hatton during his Dancing On Ice debut on Sunday
The new series saw Holly Willoughby, 42, back on TV, almost three months after she learned of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, with Stephen making his debut as Phillip Schofield's replacement

During one segment Ricky, 45, was enlisted in holding a microphone, only to be made the butt of the joke as Stephen pulled faces for the camera.

'Please just hit him,' Holly quipped, and the boxer did just that sending the TV personality, 46, flying off his feet.

Shocked by the sheer force, Holly gasped throwing her hands to her mouth as Ricky checked on Stephen who was laying on the floor off camera. 

Following the skating show, which saw six of the 12 celebrities take to the ice, a message appeared on Ricky's X - formerly known as Twitter. 

It said: 'Ricky even landing knockout blows on @dancingonice! Hope you're okay @StephenMulhern'. 

Stephen replied to the message, he wrote: 'I'm already starting to bruise!'

During the ITV show, fans took to X to share how funny they found the skit.   

One viewer wrote: 'Hahahaha I have to say well done Ricky Hatton. Laughing so hard over that punch'.

While a second joked: 'Mulhern defo needed that punch by Hatton'. And: 'Haha class'. 

While another writing: 'Stephen is going to sue Ricky Hatton for that punch'.

During one segment Ricky, 45, was enlisted in holding a microphone, only to be made the butt of the joke as Stephen pulled faces for the camera
'Please just hit him' Holly quipped, and the boxer did just that sending the TV personality, 46, flying off his feet
Following the skating show, which saw six of the 12 celebrities take to the ice, a message appeared on Ricky's X which said: 'Ricky even landing knockout blows on @dancingonice! Hope you're okay @StephenMulhern'
Stephen replied to the message, he wrote: 'I'm already starting to bruise!'
Ricky and his professional partner Robin Johnstone were later announced to be the first couple facing the dreaded skate off, which will take place nest week 

Ricky and his professional partner Robin Johnstone were later announced to be the first couple facing the dreaded skate off, which will take place next week.

He received just 12.5 points from judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse, leaving them placed at bottom of the leaderboard. 

Dressed in a boxing outfit, Ricky wore knee pads as he referenced boxing moves on the ice and did press-ups to Rocky movie theme tune Gonna Fly Now by Bill Conti with his skating partner Robin. 

Judge Ashley branded his performance 'iconic', while adding he should be proud of the audience's reaction.

Before taking to the ice, Ricky received a special message from fellow boxer Tyson Fury, wishing him good luck on the show. 

DANCING ON ICE: MEET THE 2024 CONTESTANTS

RICKY HATTON

AGE: 44

PROFESSION: Former pro boxer

WHAT DID HE SAY? 'If I can hold my nerve in the boxing ring I should be able to hold my nerve in the ice rink'

HANNAH SPEARRITT

AGE: 42

PROFESSION: SINGER

WHAT DID SHE SAY? 'I'm really excited about learning a new skill. It's so easy to live your comfortable life and that aspect of mixing things up is very appealing'

GREG RUTHERFORD 

AGE: 36

PROFESSION: Athlete 

WHAT DID HE SAY? 'I like a challenge and I needed a reason to go out and do stuff again and here we are. I want to perform something that's never been done before, that's my aim.'

Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards

AGE: 59

PROFESSION: OLYMPIC SKI JUMPER

WHAT DID HE SAY? 'Dancing on Ice is a show I've always wanted to do. It's a challenge I think I'm going to relish!'

RICKY NORWOOD

AGE: 40

PROFESSION: EastEnders star 

WHAT DID HE SAY? 'It's come at such a great time in life. I can't skate at all! No rehearsals as yet, I've just had some physiotherapy to strengthen the body.'

RYAN THOMAS

AGE: 39

PROFESSION: Corrie star

WHAT DID HE SAY? 'Everyone keeps asking me, "are you doing it?" I've told everyone!' 

CLAIRE SWEENEY

AGE: 52

PROFESSION: ACTRESS

WHAT DID SHE SAY? 'I am stepping into the unknown here. I don't know how I will feel. But I am very excited.'

AMBER DAVIES

AGE: 26

PROFESSION: WEST END STAR

WHAT DID SHE SAY? 'I would definitely say that I'm an adrenaline junkie but I do get more nervous as I get older and I hope that I can contain them'

MILES NAZAIRE

AGE: 27

PROFESSION: REALITY STAR 

WHAT DID HE SAY? 'I've always loved to dance but it's usually on a dance floor on a Saturday night and Dancing on Ice looks so difficult.'

 LOU SANDERS

AGE: 37

PROFESSION: COMEDIAN

WHAT DID SHE SAY? 'I'm nervous about cracking my head open, or just bashing the old head. I can't afford to lose any more brain cells.'

ADELE ROBERTS 

AGE: 44

PROFESSION: RADIO PRESENTER

WHAT DID SHE SAY? 'It's ''bricking it on ice'' for me! I think the hardest part is putting myself out there as I usually hide away'

 ROXY SHAHIDI

AGE: 40

PROFESSION: Emmerdale star 

WHAT DID SHE SAY? 'I can't ice-skate. I haven't really said anything to anyone but mainly because I'm so nervous about it!'