Stephen Mulhern makes triumphant return to ITV Saturday Night Takeaway after taking time off on doctor's orders

Saturday Night Takeaway fans were delighted to see the return of show regular Stephen Mulhern after he took time time off on doctor's orders. The Catchphrase and In For A Penny host, 44, revealed earlier this month that he had been ruled out of the family entertainment show.

But he was back in force dressed as Darth Vader for a game of Ant vs Dec. And his presenter pals Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly gave him a warm welcome as viewers flocked to say he had been missed.

Stephen tweeted on March 12: "Hello all, Sorry I’ve been quiet on here recently and thank you for all your lovely messages. I’ve had some time off and been resting up on doctors orders."

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He added: "I’m on the mend, I’m happy to say, and looking forward to getting back to work soon. In the meantime..."

Well-wishers told him it was nice to see him back on their screens.

@AccessDenied_UK tweeted: "It's great to see you back Stephen."

@joareads cheered: "Loving #SaturdayNightTakeaway tonight yay @StephenMulhern is back!"

@PaulDArm told him: "Lovely to see you back, Mullers!"

@hannahfun1 said: "Really did miss @StephenMulhern, it wasn't the same without him."

@lisa3103s messaged: "Omg we have missed you, good to have you back xxx"

@steveayling01 celebrated: "Welcome back @StephenMulhern we’ve missed you!"

@mrstracey1972 said: "You've been greatly missed tears streamed down with laughter @antanddec

hilarious as ever."

@Tyrese54275942 commented: "It's very nice to see that Stephen Mulhern is well again #SaturdayNightTakeaway."

@HelenRichards90 said: "Eee well im so glad to see @StephenMulhern back on my tele! #SaturdayNightTakeaway."

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