Holly Willoughby quits prime-time ITV show as channel issues statement on departure amid Netflix move
Holly Willoughby has quit as co-presenter of ITV’s You Bet! after just one series due to scheduling conflicts, according to a channel spokesman.
The 44-year-old presenter will not return for the second series of the rebooted game show, which aired in December 2024.
An ITV spokesperson confirmed to TVZone: “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.”
The presenter had been co-hosting the revival alongside Stephen Mulhern.
The revival of You Bet! proved to be a hit with viewers when it launched last year, becoming ITV’s biggest entertainment launch with younger viewers in almost three years.
The show featured celebrity guests including Rob Beckett, Judi Love, Alison Hammond and Olly Murs.
Contestants used their unique abilities to take part in unusual challenges whilst celebrities and the studio audience gambled on their success.
ITV had been keen to bring the show back for a full series following the success of the two special episodes.
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Willoughby’s departure from You Bet! comes as part of her gradual return to television following her exit from This Morning in October 2023.
She left the daytime programme after 14 years when she learned of a terrifying plot to kidnap, rape and murder her by former security guard Gavin Plumb.
In July 2024, Plumb was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years after being convicted of planning to harm the mother of three.
Following this ordeal, Willoughby took a step back from the spotlight to prioritise her safety and wellbeing.
The presenter has since made a successful return to television, co-hosting Dancing on Ice with Mulhern and making her Netflix debut with Celebrity Bear Hunt.
The streaming giant was reportedly impressed with her performance on the reality competition series, which aired in February 2025.
Sources at Netflix say they are “very keen” to work with Willoughby on more shows with global reach.
A source told the Mail: “Celebrity Bear Hunt was a huge thing for her, her first role with Netflix and she just loved it and they loved her.”
Mulhern, 47, will continue to host You Bet! solo when it returns later this year.
The pair have a long history of working together, having presented ITV Saturday morning children’s show Ministry of Mayhem in the noughties, which was later titled Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown.
They currently co-host Dancing on Ice, with the pair announcing the winner of the 2025 series as Sam Aston on Sunday evening.
You Bet! originally aired from 1988 to 1997 and was hosted by light entertainment legend Sir Bruce Forsyth, as well as Matthew Kelly and Darren Day.