ONE episode in, and it's fair to say Britain's Got More Talent, the sister show to the ITV talent contest, is as compelling as ever. Presenter Stephen Mulhern tells Georgia Humphreys about overcoming the health scare that could have ended his career and how judge Simon Cowell has 'really mellowed out'

How have you found filming the 12th series of Britain's Got More Talent so far?

I'm going to go as far as to say it's stronger than ever. It never ceases to amaze me where the acts come from. And interestingly, Simon [Cowell] has been nicer than he's ever been in 12 years.

What do you think has brought on this change in Simon?

I don't know! It's just like he's really mellowed out. He's more relaxed, I think maybe he's just taken stock and gone, 'I've got a lovely boy, I've got an amazing career, the shows are doing all right'... All the judges have got on better than they've ever got on.

You had to miss four days of filming auditions this year - what happened?

I went to the doctor and she could clearly hear that I couldn't talk so she sent me to an ear, nose and throat specialist. They put this big camera down my throat and I was told me that if I didn't stop speaking completely for two weeks then I could permanently damage my vocal cords. So, I couldn't talk at all, not even a whisper because apparently that's even worse than trying to talk.

Was there a part of you that was concerned this could have ended your career?

The bizarre thing was that I had to start writing things down on a little white board. I felt like a right idiot, to be honest, but in the same breath, when you're told by a specialist, 'If you don't listen to what I am telling you, you'll permanently damage the one thing you need to do your job' - it was a real shock, if I'm being honest with you.

Have you now had to take extra measures to look after yourself health-wise?

Well, yes. The way I lost my voice was doing pantomime. So, I've quit that this Christmas. I'm afraid panto fans, there's no more from me. The irony is that last year was my 16th year doing panto, but that's it for me.

What impact did your illness have on filming Britain's Got More Talent?

The problem is that there was literally nothing that the team could do without me being there. The whole thing about More Talent is we do the fun side to the main show, we get away with a lot more, we do all the eccentric stuff, so there was simply nothing that could be done.

How did Simon react?

I got a video message from Simon, he didn't believe me! His words were, 'Hello Stevie, I know you could lose your head and you'd still be here. I don't believe any of this about you losing your voice'. That did make me laugh! We actually had a really good off-camera chat and he said it was amazing how small things can put your life into perspective. He had his fall last year and that made him take a step back and put his life in order of what's important to him.

Do you see any new judges joining the panel in future series?

The reality is I can't see them changing the panel for quite a long time - David is constantly on fire, the girls get on incredibly well, and also, Simon and David's relationship... when it first started and they were having the jest and the jokes about their bromance, I thought, 'How long is it going to last?' They're like brothers, it's a great relationship. And I think as long as that stays how it is, Simon's not going to move one of those judges at all, because it just works.

Do you have an idea of who could win Britain's Got Talent this year?

I know I always support the comedians and the magicians but I genuinely think it could be another magic act that wins this year. Interestingly, there have been quite a few good singers but I really think it's going to be a variety act, which I think will be great for the show.

You've been in the industry a long time. Do you ever get nervous before filming still?

Yeah, especially the live shows, because there's no delay. When you're flying solo it can be quite daunting really, especially a juggernaut like Britain's Got Talent, or Saturday Night Takeaway for example. I do have a lucky charm, which is the colour of my boxer shorts, which are blue. Anyone that knows me knows they're always blue on a live show day, whether that's for TV or on stage.

Have you ever forgotten your lucky charm and things have gone wrong?

I've had one incident where I realised when I got to the studio that I didn't have blue underwear on and I literally got somebody to go and buy me a pair of boxer shorts that are blue. I'm not risking that!

  • Watch Britain's Got Talent Saturday nights on ITV, and Britain's Got More Talent Saturday nights on ITV2