Stephen Mulhern rushed to hospital after collapsing in front of diners at Pizza Express

Stephen Mulhern was taken to hospital after he reportedly collapsed in front of diners at a Pizza Express.

The Deal or No Deal presenter, 47, who's been in television since the late 90s, temporarily stepped back from duties following the death of his father.

"As Stephen will be taking some time off, we’ve contacted guests to update them that The Masked Singer Live will now be headlining their break," a statement from last month read.

Meanwhile, an ambulance was reportedly called for the telly favourite at 8pm on Wednesday (27 November).

Mulhern was said to be dining at a Pizza Express in Sunningdale after he was taken to nearby Frimley Park hospital in Camberley, Surrey.

His representatives confirmed that a procedure took place, merely as a precaution.

The Deal or No Deal presenter, 47, was taken to hospital (Instagram/@stephenmulhern)

"Stephen has had an incredibly tough time over the past few weeks. His beloved father recently passed away which has hit him hard and has been understandably very stressful," a spokesperson told MailOnline.

"In addition he had a procedure which took place yesterday (Wednesday). Following the anaesthetic that was administered, he had a few drinks which made him unwell and he was."

A source also told The Sun: "Stephen has been going through an incredibly tough time of late. He is grieving the loss of his dad to whom he was so, so close.

"He’s also been battling several well-documented health problems, and on Wednesday morning had a procedure requiring a local anaesthetic.

Stephen Mulhern was taken to hospital after he reportedly collapsed in front of diners at a Pizza Express (Google Maps)

"He took himself off for a quiet, solo dinner that evening, had a few drinks and just reacted incredibly badly. He’s only human, and his dad’s death has hit him hard.

"Stephen immediately felt unwell and concerned staff came over, and called 999. "Paramedics checked him over and took him to hospital as a precaution. He was also put on the phone to his mum to reassure her that he was OK.

"Stephen is recovering well at home now, and is resting up.

"He’s so grateful for the care he received, and is mortified that he had such an awful — and public — reaction to the anaesthetic."

Mulhern began his career in entertainment as a magician on Magic Circle before transitioning into TV in the late 90s.

LADbible Group has contacted a representative of Stephen Mulhern for additional comment.