Holly Willoughby 'quits' gameshow You Bet! after one series

With reboots of shows such as Gladiators, Big Brother and Deal or no Deal in recent years, it was announced in 2024 that there's another iconic show would be making a comeback to our screens, this time in the form of 80s challenge show You Bet!

ITV/STV bosses announced the show would be making a comeback, with popular presenters Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern teaming up to host the two 75-minute episodes in December. The show was so popular that bosses commissioned it for a second run, but it sounds like Holly won't return!

What is You Bet!?

Based on the original German series Wetten Dass?, You Bet! first aired in the UK back in 1988, as members of the public used their unique abilities to pull off the most outrageous challenges imaginable, all for the chance of winning a big cash prize.

Bosses say of the reboot: 'A panel of celebrities and the studio audience must predict if each challenger can complete the extraordinary challenge with which they are faced. Guess correctly and points are added to the celebrities’ score, based on the percentage of studio audience who voted the same way.

To conclude each show, the studio audience vote for their favourite challenger who takes home a whopping £10,000. At the same time, the celebrity with the highest score wins £10,000 for their chosen charity, while the celebrity with the lowest score takes on the entertaining final forfeit.

Is it getting another series?

Following the success of the reboot in 2024, You Bet! has been commissioned for a second series, with new episodes set to air later in 2025.

How can I apply?

Applications for series two are open now.

You can apply to be on You Bet! here.

When was it back on TV?

The show launched at 8.15pm on Saturday 7th December 2024.

Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning ITV said at the time: “You Bet! is part of a stellar entertainment line up for ITV and ITVX this Autumn, and we are thrilled to have Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern at the helm."

Who hosts the show?

Dancing On Ice hosts Holly and Stephen presented the rebooted series.

Holly Willoughby said last year: “I’m so excited to be part of this iconic game show with the fabulous Stephen Mulhern. I’m looking forward to seeing the astonishing skills on show from the challengers and which of our celebrity panellists can come out on top.”

Stephen Mulhern added: “I loved You Bet! as a kid, so I’m very excited to be hosting this with the wonderful Holly Willoughby. From the big and spectacular to the unique and unexpected, I can’t wait to see what extraordinary skills the challengers have up their sleeves.”

However, it sounds like Holly won't return for the second series, with reports suggesting she's quit the show due to being unable to attend filming dates.

A spokesperson for ITV told Radio Times: "Unfortunately, Holly couldn't commit to the dates to host the new series of You Bet!, but will hopefully appear as a guest panellist on one of the shows in the new series."

It's understood Stephen will present the second series alone.

Who was on the celebrity panel?

Comedian Rob Beckett sat on the panel for series one. He was joined by singer Olly Murs, Bake Off host Alison Hammond, England footballer Mary Earps, Loose Women star Judi Love, podcaster Rosie Ramsey, and former football manager Harry Redknapp.

The celebs for series two haven't yet been announced.

What channel is it on?

You Bet! aired on ITV and ITVX, and STV and STV Player for viewers in Scotland.

James Fox and Dom Waugh, joint MDs of Rollercoaster Television said: “Are we excited about bringing this much-loved format back to ITV? You Bet! Does it promise to be a nostalgic treat for all the family? You Bet! Will viewers be thinking, ‘There’s no way they can do that with a digger?’ You Bet!”

Check out the photos from series one below:

When was it last on TV?

The first ever episode of You Bet! aired on 20th February 1988. Series one was made up of six episodes, before nine further series, all which included 10 episodes.

The final episode aired on 12th April 1997.

Who used to host You Bet!?

Throughout its 10-series run, You Bet! had three presenters, including Sir Bruce Forsyth (1988-1990), Matthew Kelly (1991-1995), and Darren Day (1996-1997).

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• holly willoughby
• stephen mulhern