Gino D’Acampo, the charismatic Italian chef and TV personality, is staging a dramatic comeback after being dropped by ITV in February 2025 amid allegations of inappropriate behavior, which he has vehemently denied. The 48-year-old, known for his cheeky charm on This Morning and Gino’s Italian Escape, is set to return with a new travelogue series, An Italian In Malta, airing in September 2025, and a surprising acting role as an Italian-American mechanic in a drama series filmed in Ireland. Despite a turbulent year marked by misconduct claims and the removal of his ITV shows like Family Fortunes and Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South, D’Acampo is rebuilding his brand with international projects and a social media blitz. Could this be the ultimate redemption arc for the beloved chef, or will controversy linger? Here’s the full scoop on his bold new plan! 👇

The ITV Fallout: A Career in Crisis

In February 2025, ITV News published an investigation detailing allegations from dozens of former staff and freelancers who described D’Acampo’s behavior over 12 years as “unacceptable,” “distressing,” and “horrendous.” Specific claims included sexualized comments, such as allegedly telling a female crew member in 2011, “I want to turn you over and f*** you up the a***,” and threatening a runner in 2019, “If you don’t get me a Cornetto, I will f*** your girlfriend.” Another incident involved D’Acampo answering a door in boxer shorts during a shoot, making crude remarks.

D’Acampo “firmly denied” these allegations, calling them “deeply upsetting” and “not in my nature.” His legal team stated he did not recall the incidents and insisted no complaints were raised directly with him. ITV swiftly pulled his shows, replacing Family Fortunes with Wheel of Fortune and Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South with Abbey Clancy: Celebrity Homes on their schedules, with no plans to air a new Family Fortunes series filmed in 2023. An insider told MailOnline: “ITV don’t want a repeat of the BBC’s Gregg Wallace situation,” signaling a cautious approach. D’Acampo reportedly vowed to “never work with ITV again” and instructed his legal team to fight the allegations “with whatever it takes.”

X users were divided: “Gino’s cheeky persona was encouraged by ITV—now they ditch him? Hypocrisy! 😡 #TeamGino” (post:2, 2K likes) vs. “Those allegations are serious—ITV had to act. 🤔 #GinoDAcampo” (post:3, 1.5K likes).

The Comeback Plan: TV, Acting, and Global Ventures

Undeterred, D’Acampo is forging ahead with a multi-pronged comeback. In June 2025, he announced An Italian In Malta, a travelogue exploring the Mediterranean island he calls a “second home,” set to air in September 2025. He told The Mirror: “I want to show the world the perfect restaurant, recipe, and spot, speaking to locals about their food and history.” Additionally, he’s dipping into acting, playing an Italian-American mechanic “always in trouble with the law” in an unnamed Irish drama series. He quipped: “I’m not becoming a real mechanic—I’m useless at that!”

D’Acampo’s international ambitions extend further. He debuted as a judge on MasterChef Malta and opened his first overseas restaurant, Luciano, in Malta, named after his son. He’s also planning two restaurants in Australia, a kitchenware line, and a tech platform, with reports suggesting a two-year relocation Down Under while maintaining a UK home. His spokesperson told Wales Online: “He loves Australia—the people, culture, cleanliness, and environment.” In Canada, he’ll perform live theater shows in Montreal and Toronto and film An Italian In Canada, while a US pilot, Spaghetti Wars, is slated for autumn 2025, with producer Barry Mendelson praising him as “fabulous on air.”

On social media, D’Acampo’s “apology tour” features cheerful Instagram videos at his UK restaurants, including hugs with female staff, which some critics called tone-deaf amid allegations. A source told The Sun: “He knows he’s persona non grata at ITV, but he’s rebuilding his brand online.” X reactions vary: “Gino’s back with An Italian In Malta! Can’t wait! 😍 #GinoDAcampo” (post:1, 3K likes) vs. “Hugging staff on Insta? Not a good look after those claims. 😬” (post:4, 1K likes).

Controversy Lingers: A Risky Return?

D’Acampo’s comeback isn’t without hurdles. A May 2025 Maltese radio appearance sparked backlash for crude remarks, like boasting about Italian men giving “maximum satisfaction” and telling the female host she was “too pretty for radio.” His former co-star Melanie Sykes, who worked with him on Let’s Do Lunch (2011-2014), criticized his sense of entitlement, recalling him bragging about direct access to ITV bosses. Dr. Charlotte Proudman of Right to Equality slammed ITV for keeping D’Acampo’s shows on ITVX, arguing it sends a “damaging message” prioritizing “commercial interests over accountability.”

Yet, D’Acampo has supporters. Female producers who worked with him told the Daily Mail he was “portrayed as something he was not” and deserves a “second chance,” citing his encouraged “risqué humor.” Coronation Street’s Vicky Entwistle posted on X: “ITV played him for his cheeky persona, now they crucify him? #TeamGino” (post:5, 2.5K likes). He also denied fallout rumors with Gordon Ramsay, calling him a “generous, cool guy.”

Why It Matters: Redemption or Reckoning?

With nearly 5 million social media followers, D’Acampo’s return tests his enduring appeal. His Fletcher’s Family Farm co-star Kelvin Fletcher faced similar split rumors, showing how public scrutiny amplifies personal narratives. An Italian In Malta and his acting debut could redefine him, but lingering allegations risk overshadowing his efforts. X buzzes: “Gino’s bold plan—new show, acting, Australia move! He’s unstoppable! 🚀 #GinoComeback” (post:0, 4K likes).