Once a beloved fixture of British daytime television, Italian chef Gino D'Acampo is attempting to rebuild his career on international screens after a dramatic fall from grace at ITV. The 49-year-old, famed for his cheeky on-screen persona, has resurfaced as a guest judge on MasterChef Malta, marking a stark contrast to his abrupt departure from UK broadcasting earlier this year.
The Allegations That Led to an ITV Exit
Earlier in 2024, an ITV News investigation revealed a series of serious complaints against D'Acampo from dozens of individuals who had worked with him over more than a decade. The allegations, which he strongly denies, described inappropriate and intimidating conduct on the sets of shows including Gino's Italian Escape and Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip.
Among the most disturbing claims was an incident during the filming of Gino's Italy: Like Mamma Used to Make in 2022. Producer Sue Fowler alleged that after a crew member collapsed with a suspected heart attack, D'Acampo callously suggested they "package him up and send him back like they do on Amazon Prime." Another witness claimed he said, "If he is going to die, he better die quietly."
Further accusations from anonymous sources, some dating back to 2011, included:
- Making explicit sexual remarks to a female crew member during a magazine shoot.
- Answering a door in his boxer shorts and making crude jokes during a location briefing.
- Aggressively demanding an ice cream from a young runner in 2019, allegedly stating, "If you don't get me a Cornetto, I will f*** your girlfriend."
- Making lewd comments about a female colleague's appearance on set.
ITV News reported that production company Objective Media Group was aware of complaints as early as 2018, with emails from December 2024 confirming concerns were raised. The company stated D'Acampo was "spoken to" and given "bespoke training." However, some staff claimed bosses failed to intervene effectively because the chef "brought in the money."
Denials and a Determined Fightback
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. In a formal statement, he said, "I do not recognise the version of events being put to me," and pointed to continued support and commissions from high-level executives during the period in question.
Despite the scandal, the chef has retained support from some former female colleagues. One producer told the Daily Mail that D'Acampo was "portrayed as something he was not" and that he "deserves a second chance." They described his humour as "risqué" but claimed it was actively encouraged by co-stars like Holly Willoughby.
Instead of publicly dwelling on the controversy, D'Acampo has focused on family life and international projects. He regularly posts cooking videos with his wife Jessica and their three children on social media. A friend noted, "He wants to show his fans, and television executives, that life goes on."
A New Chapter Abroad
His appearance on MasterChef Malta is the first step in a planned international comeback. The show's Instagram account recently posted a video of contestants dancing with him, captioned: "Exhausted, but smiling, thanks to the amazing vibes Gino brought into the MasterChef Malta kitchen!"
This is followed by a packed overseas schedule:
- Live theatre shows in Montreal and Toronto, Canada, plus filming for a new series, An Italian In Canada.
- The upcoming US airing of a pilot show, Spaghetti Wars, filmed last year.
- A winter stint in Australia to open two new restaurants and discuss future TV projects.
While UK broadcasters keep their distance, international producers appear more willing to work with him. The executive producer of Spaghetti Wars, Barry Mendelson, has previously described D'Acampo as "the star" and "fabulous on the air."
The chef's future on British screens remains deeply uncertain. ITV has severed ties, and the channel has stressed that such behaviour "is not tolerated." For now, Gino D'Acampo's path to redemption lies far from the UK studios where he once reigned, as he seeks to rebuild his reputation and career one international appearance at a time.
