Stephen Mulhern ruled himself out of standing in for Ant McPartlin on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' last year.

Stephen Mulhern

Stephen Mulhern

The 42-year-old presenter didn't want to step in for his pal - who took time off from the spotlight when he was convicted of drink-driving last year - because he thought the show's bosses "couldn't have gone with another guy", and believes Holly Willoughby was a far better replacement.

Speaking to The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column, he said: "It was the best possible choice, you couldn't have gone with another guy.

"It had to be a female host and Holly was perfect. Holly and Dec worked a treat."

The 'Catchphrase' presenter - who also fronts segments on 'Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway' - said he was tipped for the gig when he was filming in Florida but didn't step up to the role because he didn't want to fill the shoes of his good friend.

Stephen said: "When we were in Florida for 'Takeaway' last year there was talk about me doing a lot more stuff on the show.

"But you can't replace Ant. I'm not going to step into a friend's shoes. I couldn't do as well as him and I'm just pleased he's back."

Stephen is now hosting a new show which is based on his 'In For A Penny In For A Grand' segment on 'Saturday Night Takeaway'.

The programme sees Stephen visiting different locations to offer members of the public the chance to win £1,000 with just a penny by answering a series of silly questions and doing unusual tasks.

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