NOEL'S BLESSING FOR MY NEW DEAL

Mulhern on Edmonds meeting

- MARK JEFFERIES

STEPHEN Mulhern has told how Noel Edmonds wished him luck taking over his old show - but only after pranking the magician.

Mulhern, 46, will take over the presenting duties on the gameshow later this month on ITV.

The show was a huge hit on Channel 4 for 11 years, thanks to Noel, the 15 cash boxes and The Banker.

The magician said: "I was doing a magic show at a private party and halfway through my magic act, I hear, 'Hello, Stephen.

"I'm like, 'What?' And then, instantly, I see what looks like Gandalf walking towards the stage in the whole get-up.