Stephen Mulhern's You Bet! suspended by ITV as fire engines rush to scene

ITV were forced to halt filming of their new show You Bet! as the set turned into "carnage". Stephen Mulhern wasfilming for the upcoming serieswhen a car fire caused chaos, according to reports.

The presenter is said to have been shooting an Emmerdale special when two fire engines were called to set. A vehicle burst into flames and the blaze spread to vans containing props used by the crew.

It is said to have destroyed thousands of pounds worth of equipment, which forced bosses to call it quits. The scene has been branded "carnage" by those who witnessed it.

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"The blaze just started from a random vehicle which then resulted in vans used by the crew also go up in flames," an eyewitness told the Daily Mail. "There was obvious panic and it's a miracle nobody was harmed."

They added: "The fire started within close proximity of the soap and thankfully didn't spread inside where filming takes place." Presenter Stephen visited Emmerdale, which is filmed on the grounds of Harewood House near Leeds.

He shot a challenge for You Bet!, which will appear on the upcoming series. Each episode sees Stephen set a series of tasks for a celebrity panel to predict whether or not the challenger can complete them.

A You Bet! spokesperson told the publication: "Following an incident that was unrelated to filming, production for You Bet! was suspended as a precaution.

"The situation was promptly assessed by the fire services and no-one was injured or affected. The health and safety of all individuals involved in the making of the programme remains our highest priority."

West Yorkshire Fire Service added: "We were called at 15.57 on Friday to reports of a small vehicle on fire on Harewood Avenue. We sent two crews, Moortown and Wetherby.

"On arrival this was found to be two vehicles on fire which crews extinguished. No reports of any injuries. The cause has been recorded as accidental."

Filming is set to continue this week after the fire. You Bet! was revived by ITV last Christmas for two episodes that were hosted by Stephen and Holly Willoughby.

She is not returning as host for the upcoming series, but will make an appearance on one episode. The celebrity panellists will include Zoe Ball, Rob Beckett, Alesha Dixon, Johnny Vegas, Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson, Danny Jones and Oti Mabuse.

Others taking part are Rylan Clark, Judi Love, Josh Widdicombe. Alex Brooker Babatunde Aléshé, Eddie Kadi, Will Best, Nick Mohammed, AJ Odudu, Greg Rutherford and soap brothers Adam and Ryan Thomas.

Speaking of Holly's exit, Stephen told the Mirror: “I’m gutted she’s not doing You Bet - but I’ve had time to think about it. We've filmed one episode already and it felt very comfortable and it felt good. And I think maybe it is just a one presenter show.

“Bruce Forsyth was the first person to do it, and he did it on his own. Matthew Kelly made it the best show on the telly. So maybe it’s happened for the right reasons.”

On the new show - You Bet on Tour - he added: “This time we’re hitting the road! Each week I’ll be joined by a top celeb panel, as our challengers take on some brilliantly bonkers and amazing challenges. With the title of You Bet Champion on the line, it’s going to be unbelievable from the start.”

The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment.

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