THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST: STEPHEN MULHERN AND ANT & DEC TO FRONT ITV TRAVEL FORMAT

Stephen Mulhern and Ant & Dec will star in a brand new travel format, The Accidental Tourist (w/t) co-produced by South Shore and Mitre Studios, commissioned by ITV1 and ITVX for broadcast in 2025.

Catchphrase and Deal or No Deal host Stephen is a man who likes what he knows - and that does not include travelling to exotic locations, trying new foods or being pushed out of his comfort zone in any way. But now Stephen has asked Ant & Dec to help him finally change his ways… and they have decided to send their good friend to Asia to broaden his horizons.

In this one-off special Stephen will be thrust out of his comfort zone to see if he can truly unearth the adventurer within. With Ant & Dec taking their cues from their favourite viral clips, they are sending Stephen somewhere he has never been before, in an effort to help to test his resolve and push his boundaries. 

Stephen will encounter epic locations, exotic cultures and cuisines, incredible people and places and exhilarating activities he would never have chosen for himself. 

So will this ultimate immersive experience make Stephen finally embrace the unknown and unleash his inner traveller?

The programme is commissioned by ITV’s Director Factual Entertainment Sue Murphy and Head of Development and Commissioning Editor Kate Teckman. Andrew Mackenzie and Melanie Leach will Executive Produce for South Shore. Ed Sleeman and Jack Shillaker will Executive Produce for Mitre Studios.

Stephen said: “Travelling and adventure have never been on my list of favourite things... so to say I'm nervous would be a huge understatement! This project sort of feels like the world's worst bucket list! There are lots of things I love in life, just as much as there are things I don't like; fancy food, exotic places, and even the sound of the cutlery scraping on the food tins on I'm A Celebrity can tip me over the edge! I've never even had a cup of coffee... so don't get me started on avocado! In this case, I can't help but feel I’m going to be facing them all!..

"I like to have a lot of laughs during the shows I present, but I’ve got a sense you’ll be seeing a lot more emotions than just laughter on this journey! I hope you enjoy it and please wish me luck!”

Dec said: “We can’t wait to send Stephen off on his exotic journey of self-discovery and see what he uncovers.” Ant said: “It’s going to be a lot of fun, for us mainly, not so much for Stephen!”

Sue Murphy said: “This is pure treat TV and a fantastic vehicle for the multiple talents of Ant, Dec and Stephen. It's such a timely idea and we can't wait for the drama, the humour and the mayhem.”

Kate Teckman said: “The ultimate voyage of discovery, sunny, funny and with a big, big heart, who wouldn't want to go on this trip of a lifetime with Ant and Dec and Stephen?"

Melanie Leach, CEO at South Shore said: “We are very much looking forward to expanding Stephen’s horizons alongside his culinary palette with the help of Ant & Dec and our friends at Mitre Studios”

Ed Sleeman, Managing Director at Mitre, said: “We can’t wait to get started on this hilarious adventure almost as much as Stephen can wait to get started on it.”

The Accidental Tourist will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in 2025.