In a resurfaced TV clip that’s gaining new attention amidst allegations of sexually inappropriate conduct, TV chef Gino D’Acampo is seen stripping in front of Gordon Ramsay‘s mum. The incident took place almost five years ago during an episode of the ITV show, Gordon, Gino and Fred: American Road Trip, which featured Gino alongside Fred Sirieix.
Amidst the controversy, ITV has cancelled plans to re-run two episodes of Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South scheduled for this weekend. Additionally, the network has pulled the airing of brand-new Family Fortunes episodes featuring Gino as host, filmed in 2023, reports the Mirror.
During the American Road Trip series, Gino and cohorts embarked on a campervan journey across the US with Ramsay. The memorable moment came about as the trio tried to impress Ramsay’s mother Helen with their burger-making skills.
Following their defeat, Ramsay dared them to skinny dip in the pool at his Bel Air home, declaring: “You lost, big deal. Get your clothes off and jump in the pool.”
Helen teased, “I always knew I wanted to pick Gordon, because I wanted to see them jump in the water with no clothes on! ” This led to both men jumping into the pool naked, provoking an embarrassed reaction from Gordon to his mum: “Oh my goodness me, I’m so sorry,” while she laughed it off saying, “I enjoyed it, don’t worry about it.”
Gino has faced allegations of “distressing” and “sexually inappropriate” behaviour following an ITV News investigation. Numerous individuals have recounted experiences with him, which they’ve described as “unacceptable,” “distressing,” and “horrendous” over more than a decade.
In response to the comprehensive claims, Gino stated 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.”
He continued, “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.”
Studio Ramsay, responsible for hit shows like Gordon, Gino and Fred: Roadtrip and Gordon, Gino and Fred: American Road Trip, has issued a statement in response to the recent allegations. Studio Ramsay commented: “Studio Ramsay have not worked on a series with Gino D’Acampo since 2022. Whilst we do not disclose or discuss personnel matters publicly, Studio Ramsay is committed, in conjunction with our broadcast partners, to a safe and professional work environment. We take all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and workplace misconduct seriously, promptly investigate, and take appropriate remedial action when warranted.”
Amidst these accusations, ITV’s Family Fortunes star Gino D’Acampo finds himself at the centre of claims that go back more than a decade, with reports of people allegedly scared to voice their experiences because of possible repercussions.
ITV has also made their position clear, emphasising their dedication to respect within the workplace. The network announced: “ITV is completely committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated with respect and feels able to give of their best.”
“Our promise to those we work with is that where a complaint is made, or serious concern raised, we will always investigate and if we find that something inappropriate has happened, we will take action. The same standards are expected of all production companies who make programmes on ITV’s behalf.”
“It is production companies who have the primary responsibility for the duty of care of everyone they work with, both on and off screen, when making shows. We make clear our expectations of producers and have robust and comprehensive policies which we implement contractually.”
“We have strengthened these policies in the last 5 years and have set up a dedicated Complaints Handling Unit in 2024 to manage any complaints we receive about on screen presenters and ensure ITV has a centralised view across different productions. The standards of behaviour that ITV expects are very clear. Everyone working with ITV is subject to ITV’s Code of Ethics and Conduct. At ITV we treat everyone with courtesy, fairness, dignity and respect and do not tolerate abusive behaviour of any form in the workplace.”
“We have also reiterated our expectations of our on screen presenters’ behaviour through our Conduct and Standards Guidelines for On Screen Personalities issued in 2024. 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.”
“We can only act where we know that concerns have been raised, and will now be following up on those that had not previously been reported to us. If anyone has experienced or witnessed inappropriate behaviour while working on an ITV show, we encourage them to raise their concerns with us either directly or through our confidential speaking up hotline Safecall.”
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