Gino D'Acampo teases TV comeback with on-set snaps following ITV exit
Celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo has hinted at a return to television weeks after he faced backlash.
Gino D'Acampo has teased his television comeback as he works on a new series in Ireland, sharing sneak peeks from the set with his followers. The 48-year-old celebrity chef, who recently faced controversy due to allegations of "sexually inappropriate" and "intimidating" behavior, is pressing ahead with his career despite ITV severing ties and removing his programmes from their schedule.
On Instagram, Gino, who has denied the claims against him, uploaded pictures showing him clad as a car mechanic, complete with overalls and soot on his face. He hinted at his upcoming project with the caption: "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."
The shared photos include one where he's looking into a car engine, cigarette dangling from his lips, and another where he's reviewing footage on a camera. Fans have been quick to share their excitement. One said: "Anything with Gino in it, I'm so down to watch."
A second person said: "Omg can't wait to see Gino back on TV! He's been so missed." Another fan wrote: "Ginnnnooooooo!"! Love that he's living his best life in Ireland. Happy Paddy's Day."
Another person backed up the chef despite the claims against him. They said: "Don't care what anyone says, Gino will always be a living legend."
Gino D'Acampo is facing allegations after a female TV producer accused him of sketching an inappropriate drawing of her during a live broadcast, reports the Mirror. Additionally, he's been accused of kissing a footballer's wife in front of her spouse and later making light of the incident at a charity event, quipping that he did it "because I can." Gino has denied the claims.
In the wake of the claims, ITV has decided to cancel Emission Impossible, which featured Gino alongside Fred Sirieix on an environmentally-conscious journey through Austria and Croatia. A source told The Sun: "Even though viewers loved Gino and Fred's chemistry, the series was only ever intended as a two-part special."
This news follows the replacement of Gino's ITV game show amid the claims. His programme Family Fortunes has been put on hold by the network.
Stephen Mulhern's Celebrity Catchphrase will now occupy the Sunday evening slot previously held by Family Fortunes. ITV commissioner Gemma John-Lewis expressed enthusiasm for the change, saying: "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."
Garry Chippington, Executive Producer and Creative Director of 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 Gino D'Acampo's pre-recorded Family Fortunes episodes would not be airing amid the ongoing investigation into his alleged behaviour.
Gino denied the claims, saying in a statement to 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."