Stephen Mulhern has revealed he still has bruises after Ricky Hatton beat him on Dancing On Ice earlier this month.
The 45-year-old boxer gave the 46-year-old TV host a playful punch during a skit, but Stephen admitted that while the punch was fun, it still hurt quite a bit.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: “I said to Ricky, do us a favor… Holly will say to you: 'Just hit him, Ricky', which she said spontaneously at the start and I said, 'We should do that live'. “.
“Apparently I forgot that he is a three-time world boxing champion.”
Stephen added: “It almost knocked me out. “If I showed you the bruise, it's huge. It's on the arm, it's very painful.'
Stephen Mulhern has revealed he still has bruises after Ricky Hatton beat him on Dancing On Ice earlier this month
The 45-year-old boxer gave the 46-year-old TV host a playful punch during a skit, but Stephen admitted that while the punch was fun, it still hurt quite a bit
During the segment, Ricky was required to hold a microphone, only to become the butt of the joke when Stephen made faces on camera.
“Please just hit him,” Holly quipped, and the boxer did just that, sending the TV personality flying off his feet.
Shocked by the sheer force, Holly gasped and threw her hands over her mouth as Ricky checked on Stephen, who was lying on the floor off camera.
The following week, Stephen made sure he was prepared when he returned to Ricky in the studio wearing a protective, padded costume.
He was seen wearing a black and white shield across his chest as well as a blue helmet and a pair of matching boxing gloves.
The presenter completed his look by wearing a pair of skinny blue satin trousers over his suit trousers.
Ricky was the first contestant to be eliminated from the ITV ice dancing competition after he faced the dreaded Skate Off with comedian Lou Saunders.
Stephen joined Dancing On Ice this year as a replacement for Phillip Schofield, who left ITV after an affair with a younger colleague.
The following week, Stephen made sure he was prepared when he returned to Ricky in the studio wearing a protective, padded costume
Ricky was the first contestant to be eliminated from the ITV ice dancing competition after he faced the dreaded Skate Off with comedian Lou Saunders
Stephen said working with his old friend Holly Willoughby was an added bonus as they both trust each other.
Holly recently posted a poignant post about “thriving in dark times” after making her TV comeback on the ITV show.
She was off screens for more than two months before returning to co-host the ITV ice skating competition with Stephen.
Following her TV comeback, Holly's lifestyle brand Wylde Moon shared an Instagram post about “resilience, strength” and “thriving in dark times.”
When they posted a picture of a moonflower on their stories, the caption read: “The moonflower has become a symbol of blossoming in dark times.”
“These fragrant, white flowers have evolved over millions of years and only open at night. Her ethereal, nocturnal beauty is a powerful symbol of how resilience, strength and growth can thrive in the darkest and most challenging moments.”
Holly has been off screens for almost three months since leaving This Morning in October after 14 years on the sofa.
She left the show after an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her emerged, which led to Phillip leaving ITV following his affair.
As she returned to television last week, an expert told The Sun she appeared “more mature” and could “relaunch her career” by moving to her own solo show in the future.
DANCING ON ICE: MEET THE 2024 PARTICIPANTS
RICKY HATTON
AGE: 44
OCCUPATION: Former professional boxer
WHAT DID HE SAY? “If I can keep my nerve in the boxing ring, I should be able to keep my nerve in the rink.”
HANNAH SPEARRITT
AGE: 42
PROFESSION: SINGER
WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I'm really looking forward to learning a new skill. “It's so easy to live a comfortable life and that aspect of variety is very appealing.”
GREG RUTHERFORD
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: Athlete
WHAT DID HE SAY? “I like challenges and I needed a reason to go out and do things again and here we are.” “I want to perform something that hasn't been done before, that's my goal.”
Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards
AGE: 59
OCCUPATION: OLYMPIC SKI JUMPER
WHAT DID HE SAY? “Dancing on Ice is a show I've always wanted to do. “It's a challenge that I think I'll enjoy!”
RICKY NORWOOD
AGE: 40
OCCUPATION: EastEnders star
WHAT DID HE SAY? “It comes at such a great time in life.” I can’t skate at all! “No rehearsals yet, I just did physical therapy to strengthen the body.”
RYAN THOMAS
AGE: 39
OCCUPATION: Corrie star
WHAT DID HE SAY? “Everyone keeps asking me, 'Are you doing this?' I've told everyone!'
CLAIRE SWEENEY
AGE: 52
OCCUPATION: ACTRESS
WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I'm entering the unknown here.” I don't know how I'll feel. But I'm very excited.'
AMBER DAVIES
AGE: 26
OCCUPATION: WEST END STAR
WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I would definitely say I'm an adrenaline junkie, but as I get older I get more and more nervous and I hope I can keep it in check.”
MILES NAZAIRE
AGE: 27
PROFESSION: REALITY STAR
WHAT DID HE SAY? “I’ve always loved dancing but it’s usually on the 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 afraid of hitting my head, or just smashing my old head in.” “I can't afford to lose any more brain cells.”
ADELE ROBERTS
AGE: 44
OCCUPATION: RADIO HOST
WHAT DID SHE SAY? “For me it means putting everything on hold”! I think the hardest part is putting myself out there because I usually hide.
ROXY SHAHIDI
AGE: 40
OCCUPATION: Emmerdale star
WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I can’t skate. I haven't actually said anything to anyone, but mostly because I'm so nervous about it!'