Gino is a regular TV chef on This Morning (Image: ITV)
A jaw-dropping moment resurfaced showing taking to task for an off-colour joke, amidst allegations of the celebrity chef’s sexually improper conduct.
Flashback footage from a 2013 episode of saw a culinary session with Gino, then 48, preparing a meal alongside ex-presenter Phillip, 62, and co-host , 43. A saucy comment from Gino about ‘tough meat’ and ‘making love to one’s wife’ seemed to press Phillip’s buttons, prompting a live reproach of the Italian cook.
In the clip, Phillip can be heard saying: “We do not want tense meat” likely prodded by advice from Gino who was known for his regular cooking slots on the ITV morning programme.
Agreeing with Phillip, Gino went on to say, “We don’t want that because tense meat, it becomes tough meat. Right? ” To which Phillip, assuredly facing the camera, responded: “Tense meat is a friend to no one.”
A quip followed from Gino, positioned beside Holly, asserting: “No seriously, tense meat it comes a tough meat. That’s why you should never annoy your wife before you make love. You want her to be nice and soft.”, reports .
Phillip Schofield told Gino D’Acampo ‘you’ve gone too far’ (Image: ITV)
Following this risque assertion from Gino, Holly arched an eyebrow but remained silent, proceeding with her dish preparation. However, Phillip took exception to Gino’s bold statement, and turning towards him with a stern look said: “Now you’ve gone too far. That’s too far.”
Even as Gino persisted in claiming innocence, Phillip sharply concluded: “That’s a step too far.”
Following numerous allegations of behaviour condemned as “unacceptable,” “distressing” and “horrendous” during his time working with them, TV chef Gino D’Acampo has been thrust into the spotlight. The claims cover a span of more than 12 years.
Gino D’Acampo insulted Phillip with the rude sex joke (Image: ITV)
In a statement addressed to ITV News, Gino firmly disputed the accounts, declaring: “I have been told by ITN news that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over ten years ago.”
He continued to assert his innocence: “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.”
D’Acampo, known for his roles on ITV’s shows such as ‘Family Fortunes’ and ‘Gino and Fred: Emission Impossible,’ went on to highlight his career success and support from the industry despite the accusations: “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.”
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The 48 year old culminated his defence by emphasising his personal life and professional reputation: “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.”
These assertions come amidst reports of individuals too intimidated by potential repercussions to speak out about their alleged altercations with the chef.
Gino has “firmly denied” the allegations made by “dozens” of people”, stating that they were “deeply upsetting”.