Stephen Mulhern reveals showdown with fuming James Martin saying ‘I thought he was going to punch me in the face’

STEPHEN Mulhern has told how he feared a smack in the face during a wind-up involving no-nonsense chef James Martin.

The prankster invaded This Morning during his cookery demonstration in a challenge that was filmed for Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

In the wind-up last month, Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield had to say certain phrases – causing many viewers to believe they were insulting James.

Appearing on This Morning today – when James was not in the kitchen – Stephen said James had been fuming.

The 44-year-old said: “Firstly, thank you for inviting me on.

“Secondly. I thought James Martin was going to punch me in the face. He was so angry.”

Dermot O’Leary, hosting the show today alongside Alison Hammond, replied: “He doesn’t like if they tell him you’ve only got one minute left.

“Imagine how he reacted to you.”

Stephen said: “I said to him afterwards I’m so sorry. He seemed to take it after that.”

Many viewers were baffled by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s odd behaviour at the time – with many even complaining to Ofcom saying they had been rude.