Gino is facing allegations of misconduct which he strongly denies (Image: ITV)
John Barrowman believes that ‘s TV career is unlikely to recover, but suggests that some producers may have inadvertently encouraged his behaviour by “sexualising” his on-screen presence.
Barrowman points to a 2011 incident on , where Gino cooked naked except for an apron, as an example of how producers may have given him the green light for behaviour that is now deemed unacceptable.
Speaking in a Q&A session, Barrowman, who has faced his own allegations of misconduct on the set, said: “At the moment, no. You won’t see me. Nothing lies ahead for me on television because at the moment…. because of all the c**p that was said about me which is not true … they kind of turned their back on me.”
He drew parallels with Gino’s situation, stating: “It’s the same thing to do with Gino D’Acampo at the moment which is unfortunate because they’re the ones who…. the TV shows…. and I use this as an example… like the one where he’s on the TV show and he’s standing there cooking in an apron but he’s naked.
“Now he didn’t decide to do that. Production asked him to do it. So they’re sexualising him in the same way as when I was on camera, and they would do something like, ‘You gotta be naked. You’ve got to do this’.
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John Barrowman appeared on the hit BBC series, Doctor Who (Image: Media Wales)
“So we then feel that there’s an atmosphere of ‘Let’s have a laugh and let’s have fun’. So then when it comes out that we’ve had a laugh, they all go ‘Oh my God. We’re not on with this!’ This is hypocrisy basically. It’s kind of the same thing that I went through.”
Barrowman added: “Once that all dies out, maybe (I will be back on TV), but I figured I’m going to tour more,” reports .
Barrowman’s comments follow those from former star Vicky Entwistle, who has vigorously defended D’Acampo.
She remarked: “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? ! ? !” (sic)
An ITV investigation turned up allegations of “distressing” and “sexually inappropriate” behaviour by Gino spanning over 12 years, including remarks some staff labelled as “disgusting”.
Gino has strongly denied all allegations made against him (Image: Getty)
ITV News reported on Friday that they had engaged with “more than 40 people” alleging they had “witnessed or experienced” Gino’s unsuitable conduct. They also noted having spoken to individuals who shared favourable interactions with him in the television sector.
In a strong rebuttal issued by his legal representatives, the TV chef has “firmly denied” what he describes as “deeply upsetting” allegations.
Expanding on the denial, he said, “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,” highlighting the distress he feels over the claims that he acted improperly.”
D’Acampo, 48, made his mark on British television in the early 2000s, gaining prominence through his work, mostly on ITV. He delights viewers with his culinary and travel adventures and guest appearances on various entertainment shows.
Meanwhile, John Barrowman has contended with historic allegations that included indecent exposure incidents related to his time on the Doctor Who set.
Although he had a fleeting stint on Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Barrowman’s role on the Dancing On Ice judging panel has ceased, and he currently has no ties to the Doctor Who franchise.
ITV has been contacted for comment by Express Online.