A Coronation Street star has hit out at ITV following their investigation into Gino D’Acampo.

TV chef D’Acampo is facing accusations of “distressing” and “sexually inappropriate” behaviour after dozens of people detailed experiences described variously as “unacceptable, distressing and horrendous”. The claims to ITV News have been made over a period spanning more than 12 years with over 40 people said to have come forward.

D’Acampo has “firmly denied” the allegations, adding that they were “deeply upsetting”. Former Corrie star Vicky Entwistle has come to his defence as she slammed her former employers. Vicky shared a photo of D’Acampo and said: “I don’t know this man personally, therefore have no reason to stick my neck out in his defence.

“BUT!!! ITV played that man for all he was worth… cheeky, naughty, foreign, hilarious!!! It all fitted in 10 years ago… now with a new WOKE agenda they crucify him?!?!” D’Acampo’s co-star and pal Fred Sirieix has also defended the star as he appeared to brush off any negative attention over the weekend.

Gino D'Acampo
Gino has denied the claims against him ( 
Image:
LightRocket via Getty Images)

Vicky Entwistle plays Janice Battersby.
Vicky came to D’Acampo’s defence ( 
Image:
ITV)

D’Acampo posted a video on his Instagram as he took part in a meet and greet with fans. First Dates star Fred showed his support as he liked the post. He had remained silent amid the allegations against his co-star, yet the move appears to indicate D’Acampo is receiving his support. In ITV News’ investigation, one woman claimed Gino told her he would “like to turn me over and f*** me up the a*** against the kitchen counter” while working on a photoshoot.

Another alleged that when she went to brief him about a location shoot, he opened the door in his boxer shorts and made jokes about his privates, leaving her feeling uncomfortable. While a separate claim accused Gino of threatening a junior member of staff on Gino’s Italian Express. “I was present when Gino said to the runner, ‘If you don’t get me a Cornetto, I will f*** your girlfriend’,” one female crew member said.

Responding to the claims in their entirety in a statement to ITV News, Gino said: “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.

“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.”