Gino D'Acampo teases TV return following backlash with Instagram post
Gino D'Acampo has been accused of 'inappropriate behaviour' on set, but denies these claims.
Gino D'Acampo is gearing up for his comeback to the small screen while busy with a project in Ireland and has shared snippets from behind the scenes on social media. The 48-year-old celebrity chef encountered a storm of controversy over claims of "sexually inappropriate" and "intimidating" conduct, however, he is pushing on after ITV cut ties and his shows were dropped from the channel
On Instagram, Gino, who has denied the accusations, shared images that showed him dressed as a car mechanic, complete with overalls and smudges of soot on his face. Anticipating the response to his new work, he wrote: "What a fantastic experience in Ireland working on a new series... I can't wait for you guys to see it... p.s Happy St Patrick's Day."
Among the pictures was one of him delving into an car engine with a cigarette hanging from his lips, and another where was seen standing with two others looking through footage on a camera. Fans didn't hold back their excitement, with one saying: "Anything with Gino in it, I'm so down to watch."
Another commenter said: "Omg can't wait to see Gino back on TV! He's been so missed." While another fan said: "Ginnnnooooooo!!! Love that he's living his best life in Ireland. Happy Paddy's Day." (sic)
A fourth person also supported the TV presenter. They said: "Don't care what anyone says, Gino will always be a living legend."
The allegations against Gino emerged when a female TV producer alleged he drew an explicit image of her during a live broadcast. Additionally, it's claimed that he kissed a footballer's wife in front of her husband and later made light of the incident at a charity event, saying he did it "because I can." Gino has denied the claims.
Meanwhile, ITV has decided to cancel Emission Impossible, which featured Gino and Fred Sirieix on an eco-friendly journey through Austria and Croatia. An insider told The Sun: "Even though viewers loved Gino and Fred's chemistry, the series was only ever intended as a two-part special."
This follows the replacement of Gino's ITV game show after accusations surfaced against the host. His programme Family Fortunes has been put on hold by ITV, reports the Mirror.
Meanwhile, Stephen Mulhern's Celebrity Catchphrase is set for a schedule change, moving from Saturday evenings to Sunday nights, taking over the slot previously occupied by Family Fortunes. ITV commissioner Gemma John-Lewis told TV Zone: "We're delighted to announce a further series of the much loved family favourite, Celebrity Catchphrase.
The only show where you say what you see, the hugely popular series continues to win legions of fans and with Stephen's infectious and playful humour it's a firm favourite with our viewers. Gary Chippington, the Executive Producer and Creative Director at STV Studios Entertainment, added: "It's testament to Catchphrase's fantastic format and universal appeal that it's still one of the UK's most-loved entertainment shows, four decades after ITV first commissioned it.
"The incomparable Stephen Mulhern is a huge part of the show's success, and we're looking forward to getting back in the studio with him and a great line-up of stars later this year for what promises to be another brilliant series of Celebrity Catchphrase."
It was previously reported that D'Acampo's pre-recorded Family Fortunes episodes would not be broadcast amid the investigation into the allegations.
Denying the claims, he told ITV News: "I have been told by ITN news that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over ten years ago. I have never been made aware of these matters previously and the allegations are firmly denied. I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. This is simply not in my nature. I do not recognise the version of events being put to me.
"Not only have these allegations never been raised with me before, I have been repeatedly supported by executives at the highest level and was commissioned on prime-time programmes during the period in which it is now suggested I was acting inappropriately.
"I am a father, husband and have worked with well over 1,500 people on around 80 productions in my career, which I have been so proud of. I take such matters extremely seriously and the suggestion that I have acted in an improper way against is deeply upsetting."