Stephen Mulhern reveals real injury he's suffered after being 'punched' by Ricky Hatton

Stephen Mulhern has revealed the true extent of his injuries after he was punched by Ricky Hatton last week.

The Dancing on Ice presenter, 46, fell to the ground when the boxing ace punched him in the arm during the opening show.

But while it was all a bit of lighthearted fun, Stephen has revealed he's actually still recovering from the blow.

It all came about when Stephen was making fun of Ricky - joking that he was the new boss of the reality show.

Co-host Holly Willoughby made a quip about Ricky 'knocking him out' which led to the world champion punching Stephen in the arm before he fell to the floor.

Now, Stephen has admitted that the punch did hurt (we bet it did!), and that he's still recovering.

Speaking to The Sun, Stephen explained that they'd come up with the skit during a rehearsal.

"I said to Ricky, do us a favour: Holly will say to you, 'just punch him Ricky', which she said off the cuff initially and I said 'we should do that live,'" he said.

"Obviously, I forgot he's a three time world champion boxer."

ITV

"He nearly knocked me out - if I showed you the bruise, it is massive," he added, adding that the punch was super painful.

Even Holly looked taken aback by what happened, and could be seen covering her face with her hands during the grapple.

People were loving it at home, with one writing on X (formerly Twitter): "Hahahaha I have to say well done Ricky Hatton. Laughing so hard over that punch #DOI #DancingOnIce."

While another said: "I bet Stephen Mulhern now has a dead arm after Ricky Hatton just clobbered him on #DancingOnIce."

ITV

The reality show has recently returned to ITV with new host Stephen, following former presenter Phillip Schofield stepping down from the role.

Schofield left ITV last year after admitting to an affair with a younger male This Morning employee.

During the opening show, Holly welcomed her co-host and friend, telling the audience: “To the greatest show on ice, and let’s hear it for the amazing cast of 2024. Let me just say a huge welcome to Stephen Mulhern.”

Holly and Stephen's working relationship dates back 20 years when the pair hosted ITV Saturday morning children’s show Ministry Of Mayhem.

Dancing on Ice airs every Sunday at 6:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.