Gino D’Acampo, the fiery Italian chef and TV personality, built a reputation for his outrageous antics and cheeky humor that entertained millions of viewers across the UK.
However, his once-popular career has taken a significant blow after multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior, leading ITV to sever ties with him.
As Gino faces increasing scrutiny, many are revisiting some of his most shocking TV moments—antics that now raise eyebrows in light of the recent allegations against him.
In a career spanning over 15 years, Gino’s behavior was often unpredictable, making headlines for both his cooking skills and his provocative comments.
He became known for his colorful personality, frequently making waves with his flirtatious remarks and playful teasing, but many of these moments now appear in a more troubling light.
1. Stripping Off on This Morning (2011)
One of Gino’s most infamous stunts occurred in 2011 when he made a bold promise on This Morning to strip off if the show won a National Television Award. When the show did indeed win, Gino kept his word, appearing in nothing but a small apron. The moment quickly turned viral when he revealed that the apron was concealing a knitted sock he had placed over his manhood. While the audience laughed and Gino made light of the situation, the display was undeniably cringeworthy, with hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield reacting awkwardly. Schofield’s suggestion to “throw it away, away from the food!” was one of the many awkward moments in a series of stunts that blurred the line between playful and inappropriate.
2. The X-Rated Remark to Fearne Cotton
On Celebrity Juice, Gino’s behavior pushed boundaries even further, especially during a segment in which he made an uncomfortably explicit comment about co-host Fearne Cotton. After a joke about Fearne’s facial features, Gino remarked, “I think when you have big nostrils, you can suck like f***.” Fearne, visibly shocked, was forced to respond with “You don’t need to elaborate,” trying to rein in the chef’s inappropriate comments. Even Keith Lemon, the show’s host, appeared taken aback. While Gino attempted to clarify that the comment was a “compliment,” it was clear that many found it unsettling.
3. ‘Up the Fluff’ Blunder
Gino’s language barrier also became the source of many uncomfortable moments, particularly when he made a significant blunder on This Morning by referring to a pregnant Holly Willoughby as “up the fluff” instead of the correct phrase, “up the duff.” When Holly corrected him, the moment became even more awkward as Gino tried to save face by saying “I was going to say up the muff.” Holly, visibly embarrassed, was forced to apologize to the audience for Gino’s mishap, and viewers at home were left cringing at the chef’s misguided attempt at humor.
4. ‘Sausage in the Hole’ Antics
In another This Morning segment, Gino’s infamous cooking demonstrations often took a sexual turn, much to the discomfort of his co-hosts. During a segment on Toad in the Hole, Gino introduced his version, calling it “Sausage in the Hole.” As he presented the dish, he made an innuendo-laden comment that had both Holly and Phil chuckling nervously. Gino said, “When you go home and ask your wife, ‘What do you want?’ she says, ‘I want a sausage in the hole.’” The comment was awkward, and while it was met with some laughter, it was an example of Gino’s tendency to cross the line between playful humor and discomfort.
5. ‘Playing with Holly’s Body’ on This Morning (2021)
Perhaps one of the most shocking moments occurred in November 2021, when Gino made an uncomfortable joke during a cooking segment on This Morning. As part of a geography lesson about Italy, he used Holly Willoughby’s body as a “map,” tracing the path of ingredients. When he reached her chest, Gino made a disturbing comment about having spent time in her “vagina.” This comment left Holly visibly shocked, prompting a quick response from Phillip Schofield, who joked, “Morning Ofcom,” highlighting the inappropriate nature of the moment. Gino, oblivious to the discomfort, continued with his antics, not realizing the gravity of his actions.
6. Inappropriate Kisses on Loose Women (2016 and 2024)
In two separate appearances on Loose Women, Gino made inappropriate advances that were met with discomfort by the hosts. In 2016, he kissed a random audience member on live TV, shocking both her and viewers. More recently, in December 2024, he was again warned not to kiss the female hosts but proceeded to kiss them on the cheek, stating, “What kind of Italian would come on the show without kissing the ladies?” His dismissive attitude toward the rules was met with awkward laughter from the panel, but it raised concerns about his behavior toward women.
The Fallout
These moments of on-air behavior have now been overshadowed by the serious allegations of sexual misconduct that have come to light. Several people who worked with Gino over the years have come forward with accusations of inappropriate conduct, leading ITV to cancel upcoming episodes of Family Fortunes and Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South. Although Gino has strongly denied all allegations, claiming that he has never been aware of any complaints and that such behavior is uncharacteristic of him, his career appears to be at a crossroads.
In conclusion, while Gino D’Acampo’s TV moments were once seen as humorous and edgy, the recent allegations have forced a reevaluation of his actions. What was once considered playful banter is now being viewed as inappropriate and, in some cases, troubling. As ITV distances itself from the chef, the public is left to consider whether these shocking moments were innocent mistakes or something more problematic.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
