Gino DâAcampo shows pulled from ITV schedule amid allegations probe
The Italian chef, 48, is facing â??dozensâ?? of allegations of misconduct, including using sexualised and aggressive language on TV sets
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Gino D'Acampo shows have been pulled from ITVâs schedule amid accusations of inappropriate behaviour involving the TV chef.
Two episodes of Gino's Italy: Secrets of the South have been dropped this weekend along with Family Fortunes, which D'Acampo hosts.
They were expected to air between 6pm and 7pm on Sunday on ITVBe, but now Abbey Clancy: Celebrity Homes will be shown instead.
The Italian chef, 48, has been accused of inappropriate behaviour spanning 12 years, including using sexualised and aggressive language on TV sets.
An investigation by ITV News found "dozens" of allegations of misconduct against the cooking star on TV shows he worked on, with his behaviour described as "unacceptable" and "distressing" by those making accusations, according to the broadcaster.
D'Acampo "firmly denied" the allegations in a statement to ITV News, saying they were "simply not in my nature" and describing them as "deeply upsetting".
DâAcampo pictured on Ginoâs Italy: Secrets of the South
ITV
In one alleged incident, he is said to have told a colleague that he would âlike to turn me over and f*** me up the a*** against the kitchen counter,â one woman told ITV News
Another woman alleged "aggressive" behaviour by DâAcampo on a location shoot, claiming he opened the door in his boxer shoots and made reference to his genitalia.
She told ITV it made her feel âdisgusted,â adding: âI think he feels he's in a position of power and he can say and do what he wants. I see it all as quite aggressive, really."
In response to all allegations, Gino told 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.
âI 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.
"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.â
He added: âI 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."