Secretive Stephen Mulhern models children’s books on little-known life story

Stephen Mulhern has modelled his children’s books on his little-known life story.

The 47-year-old magician and ‘Catchphrase’ host recently denied he was in a relationship with fellow TV host Josie Gibson, 39, and keeps his private life so under wraps his Wikipedia page does not have a Personal section.

But he told The Sun about his ‘Max Magic’ trilogy of books being modelled on his childhood, and including family’s real names and parents’ jobs: “We’re a market-trading family, from Petticoat Lane. We were never destined to be in books. So when I got this opportunity, I used their exact names so they can show all their friends and family.

“I don’t know why you’d shroud it in mystery, I’m writing it about what I know – magic, entertainment and my family.

“My brothers and sister, Vince, Chris and Susie, are all there.

“There’s even a character called Willow Holloughby, which was a nice surprise for Holly (Willoughby.) I didn’t even tell her I was doing it.

“Max, without question, is me and I wanted to include everything I’ve done in terms of ups and downs and tricky situations and happiness – and just overall things that people can take something from.

“There’s a bully in it, that really happened at my school. One of the things he did to me, he made me stand in the middle of West Ham Park.

“He said if you move before I walk outside this park, I’m going to beat you up. “It was just horrific and I stayed there until nightfall.

“I put that in the book as well, as I’m sure some kid will experience something that’s not too good, whether it’s at school or home.

“And when you can read about it and see how it can be dealt with, you can relate to some of it.”

The books also show Stephen’s mum was into spirituality.

He added about juggling his multiple jobs on ‘Catchphrase’, ‘In For A Penny’, ‘Saturday Night Takeaway’, ‘Dancing On Ice’ and ‘Deal Or No Deal?’: “I fit it all in because I love it. David Jason once did an interview with Michael Parkinson, where he said, ‘It’s funny, the harder I work, the luckier I get,’ and that’s how I feel.

“‘Deal Or No Deal; is like the cherry on top of the cake. It’s my favourite.

“I get to talk to people and hear their stories and work with them for a large amount of time. And then they get that moment to win a large amount of money.”