ITV has greenlit three additional specials of the hit show Accidental Tourist, securing the future of the series which features presenter Stephen Mulhern tackling his deepest fears with the help of his friends, television duo Ant and Dec.
Emotional Breakthrough Leads to Series Renewal
The decision follows a powerful and emotional one-off special that aired in late 2025, which saw Mulhern travel to South Korea. During the filming, the presenter became visibly upset as he opened up about the recent passing of his father, Christopher, breaking down in tears on camera.
Reflecting on his family and his personal anxieties, Stephen stated, “As a family, we know what we like and that’s what we do, and we always have. I am scared, I find my phobias so frustrating, but it’s time to make change, and the change is now.” He directly addressed his late father, struggling to say, “If I was to tell my dad this, my dad passed away at the start of the year…sorry. He wouldn’t believe it. I hope… he’d be proud.”
Ant and Dec Return to Provide Support
The new specials will see Mulhern once again step far outside his comfort zone, leaving behind his creature comforts. ITV revealed that while the South Korea trip was a success and prompted positive changes, Stephen has begun to slip back into old habits.
The broadcaster teased, “Not wanting to undo the impressive progress he'd already made… Stephen has decided he needs to spread his wings further and who better to help once again than his close pals Ant and Dec.” With their encouragement, and that of his family and social media followers, Stephen will be thrust into new, unfamiliar territories to confront more of his life-limiting phobias.
Cast and Crew Express Excitement for New Adventures
Stephen Mulhern shared his enthusiasm for the new challenges, admitting, “I was so proud of what I achieved that I planned to book a trip to Japan on my return, but what did I do instead? I booked an all inclusive trip to the Algarve!” He added, “I need that little loving shove in the right direction, otherwise I fear I'll slip back into my old ways. I’m still scared but this time I’m a little excited too.”
Ant commented, “We are so proud of Stephen… but we’ve noticed his old ways creeping back in… so when he said he was up for another trip, we were only too happy to oblige.” Dec added that they have a “long list of places” they want Stephen to experience to help him conquer more fears.
ITV executives Sue Murphy, Director of Factual Entertainment, and Kate Teckman, Head of Development and Commissioning Editor, also expressed their delight, stating, “We are delighted to be building on the success of the Accidental Tourist with Ant and Dec and Stephen with this exciting new series.”
The original Accidental Tourist special remains available for viewers to stream on ITVX.
