Beloved Italian chef Gino D'Acampo, once a staple of British daytime television, is attempting to revive his screen career abroad after being effectively cancelled by ITV earlier this year. The 49-year-old will appear as a guest judge on MasterChef Malta, marking a stark contrast to his former status as a fixture on shows like This Morning and Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip.
The Allegations and ITV's Response
D'Acampo's fall from grace in the UK followed a series of serious allegations from dozens of individuals who worked with him over more than a decade. An ITV News investigation reported claims of 'inappropriate and intimidating' conduct on set, which left some crew members 'fearful'.
Despite the chef's strong denials, ITV removed him from its schedules. The investigation suggested complaints were not acted upon because D'Acampo 'brought in the money'. One particularly disturbing claim from 2022 involved the chef allegedly making a vile comment about a crew member who collapsed with a suspected heart attack on the set of Gino’s Italy: Like Mamma Used to Make. Producer Sue Fowler said he told staff to 'package up' the injured man and 'send him back like they do on Amazon Prime'.
A Catalogue of Complaints
The allegations span numerous productions and years. They include:
- A 2011 magazine shoot where a woman, given the pseudonym Hannah, claims D'Acampo made an explicit sexual comment to her in front of the entire crew.
- An incident in 2019 where he allegedly told a young runner: 'If you don't get me a Cornetto, I will f*** your girlfriend.'
- During a 2018 Road Trip filming, a crew member recalled D'Acampo loudly announcing he 'felt like f******' that morning and making a crude remark about a female colleague's chest.
Production company Objective Media Group was aware of complaints as early as 2018 and provided 'bespoke training'. ITV has stated such behaviour 'is not tolerated'.
Denial and a Determined Comeback
Gino D'Acampo has categorically denied all allegations. His legal team stated the claims were 'deeply upsetting' and that he had never been made aware of them previously, nor did he recall the incidents. He emphasised his pride in a career spanning around 80 productions and over 1,500 colleagues.
Now, with support from some female producers who believe he was 'wronged' and 'portrays a risqué sense of humour actively encouraged by co-stars', D'Acampo is plotting a return. His international schedule is filling up, with the MasterChef Malta appearance followed by live theatre shows in Canada, a potential US series (Spaghetti Wars), and restaurant ventures in Australia where he also hopes to secure TV work.
While UK broadcasters keep their distance, his team hopes success abroad will help restore his reputation and pave the way for a eventual return to British screens. For now, the chef who built a multi-million-pound empire on his cheeky persona remains in exile, insisting he has been unfairly accused.
