ITV has removed upcoming shows featuring celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo from its schedule after allegations of inappropriate and intimidating behaviour on set surfaced.
Friday evening’s episode of Family Fortunes on ITV2 has been replaced by Wheel of Fortune, while Sunday’s two scheduled episodes of Secrets of the South on ITVBe have also been pulled, an ITV spokesperson confirmed.
The move follows an investigation by ITV News, which cited testimonies from multiple individuals who accused D’Acampo of making “unacceptable”, “distressing”, and “horrendous” remarks.
D’Acampo aenies allegations
The 48-year-old chef, a familiar face on British television since the early 2000s, has strongly denied the claims. Through his legal team, he described the allegations as “deeply upsetting” and asserted that he had “never been made aware of these matters previously.”
“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,” D’Acampo said in a statement. “I take such matters extremely seriously. The suggestion that I acted in an improper way is deeply upsetting.”
Claims of aggressive and inappropriate conduct
According to ITV News, several anonymous accusers from TV production teams alleged that D’Acampo exhibited aggressive behaviour, used abusive language during outbursts, and made inappropriate, sexualised comments.
The report suggested that his conduct left some production staff feeling fearful and uncomfortable, particularly freelancers who, fearing for their job security, refrained from raising complaints at the time.
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ITV responds
In response to the allegations, ITV stated that while production companies hold the “primary responsibility” for the duty of care towards staff, the broadcaster has taken steps to reinforce its workplace policies over the past five years.
A spokesperson for ITV said: “All of the concerns and complaints raised by those who have spoken to ITN describe behaviour which is inappropriate and unacceptable. Most of them were not reported to ITV at the time. Where issues have been raised with ITV, action has been taken.”
While D’Acampo’s past programmes remain available on ITV’s streaming service ITVX, no repeats of his shows will air on the network’s linear channels. Additionally, a new series of Family Fortunes, filmed in October 2023, remains unaired, with no current plans for broadcast.
