In the world of British entertainment television, no trio has sparked as much laughter and affection as Ant McPartlin, Declan Donnelly (aka Ant & Dec), and Stephen Mulhern. All three are familiar faces on ITV, fronting hit shows like Britain’s Got Talent, Saturday Night Takeaway, Catchphrase, and In For A Penny. Beyond their talent and on-screen charm, what truly endears this trio to audiences is their tight-knit, playful, and laughter-filled bond behind the scenes.
A cherished “tradition” in their relationship is Ant & Dec’s light-hearted “bullying” of Stephen—always in a fun, positive way, never hurtful. Stephen himself has admitted, “I’m the perfect target for their jokes. But if they didn’t do it, I’d feel… left out!”
This article highlights some unforgettable moments showcasing Ant & Dec’s “friendly bullying” artistry and celebrates the enduring, solid friendship among these three iconic TV personalities.
1. “A New Show for Stephen Mulhern?” – A Gentle Jab During Prime Time
During an episode of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, while commenting on a contestant’s challenge, Ant McPartlin quipped, “If you ask me, it’s cheap, one-dimensional, and very mediocre.” Dec chimed in, “What are you talking about?” With a grin, Ant replied, “Stephen Mulhern’s new show!” The pair burst into laughter, adding, “Don’t miss Quick Draw this Saturday on ITV.”
This wasn’t the first time Stephen was the butt of such a joke. What makes audiences laugh is the spontaneous, natural delivery—and Stephen, with his high tolerance for teasing, just shrugs it off with a smile. For Ant & Dec, poking fun at Mulhern is practically “part of the friendship contract” whenever the opportunity arises.
2. Stephen’s “Screen Invasion” and Ant & Dec’s Lightning-Fast Retorts
In the remote-filmed finale of Saturday Night Takeaway during the pandemic, viewers were enjoying the main hosts’ performance when Stephen Mulhern suddenly popped up on a video link. Ant immediately teased, “Oh, we’ve had Catchphrase, In For A Penny, what’s next? Stephen Night Takeaway?” Dec shook his head, chuckling, “He never leaves the stage.”
This moment became a “Stephen classic”—his unexpected, humorous interruption. But beyond the joke, it showcased the trio’s seamless chemistry. There’s no awkwardness or forced humor, just genuine laughter shared by the three and millions of viewers.
3. “Undercover” – Ant & Dec’s Elaborate Prank on Stephen
Ant & Dec took their teasing to new heights in the famous “Undercover” segment of Saturday Night Takeaway. In a special episode, they posed as audience members and a director during a play Stephen was performing in, orchestrating a series of hilarious mishaps: faulty costumes, incorrect sound effects, and last-minute script changes.
The result? Stephen caught on and could only surrender, laughing hysterically on stage. Later, he shared, “I knew something was off from the start. But when I saw their faces peeking out from backstage, I just wanted to laugh and… get revenge.”
This moment is one of the show’s finest—not just for its humor and surprise but for highlighting the trust and bond between the trio.
4. Stephen – The “Whipping Boy” at Ant & Dec’s Party
Another hallmark of shows featuring the trio is Stephen’s cheerful willingness to play the “fall guy.” From being “forced” into ridiculous costumes, testing bizarre game challenges, or “accidentally” becoming the subject of Ant & Dec’s banter, Stephen takes it all in stride.
There’s no hesitation or sulking off-camera. Instead, Stephen often turns himself into the “springboard” for Ant & Dec to shine—and vice versa. Their dynamic is like a three-man comedy team: two hosts lead, while one “clown” happily takes the hit to deliver the biggest laughs.
5. Behind the Teasing: A Friendship Strong as a Fortress
Some might think constant teasing would annoy Stephen, but that’s far from the truth. In an interview, he said, “If Ant & Dec stopped teasing me, I’d find it weird. I’d think I’d been kicked out of the fun!”
This sentiment reflects their unbreakable bond. The jabs never cross the line and often end with a hug, a burst of laughter, or a heartfelt behind-the-scenes clip.
Conclusion
In an era where showbiz relationships can fracture over misunderstandings or pressure, the trio of Ant, Dec, and Stephen is a breath of fresh air, proving that enduring friendship and humor are timeless values.
Ant & Dec’s frequent teasing of Stephen Mulhern carries no malice. On the contrary, it underscores the trust, closeness, and affection they’ve built over more than a decade of working together.
Above all, every time Ant & Dec “bully” Stephen, audiences laugh—not because anyone is diminished, but because they’re all sharing in a joyful, positive, and friendship-filled comedic universe.
