GINO D’Acampo’s TV return has the support of two of his former co-stars.
The Italian chef hasn’t been seen on screens since we revealed in December that multiple women had accused him of “sexually inappropriate” and “intimidating” behaviour.
Under-fire chef Gino D’Acampo has revealed his return to TV[/caption]
Photos show Gino dressed as a car mechanic for his new role[/caption]
The allegations prompted ITV to cut ties with the 48-year-old, who has emphatically denied any wrongdoing.
This week he shared behind the scenes images from the set of his latest project in Ireland and it was liked by Celebrity Juice host Keith Lemon and This Morning Josie Gibson.
Jon Barrowman also liked the post after recently speaking out against indecent exposure claims made against him which, he says, led to him being ‘blacklisted’ by the entertainment industry.
Despite the TV favourites backing their pal and former colleague, ITV previously confirmed that it will no longer work with Gino or air repeats of his television shows.
Photos from Gino’s TV return show him dressed as a car mechanic, wearing overalls and with soot on his face.
He wrote: “What a fantastic experience in Ireland working on a new series…
“I can’t wait for you guys to see it… p.s Happy St Patrick’s Day.”
A colleague agreed, commenting: “It was an absolute pleasure working with you on this production Gino.”
In one snap, the TV star could be seen reaching into a car engine with a cigarette in his mouth.
He also stood alongside two men while looking at the display of a camera fitted with a microphone.
One of the chef’s followers commented: “Anything with Gino in it I am so down to watch.”
Another penned: “Can’t wait to see this… good luck Gino.”
A third wrote: “Can’t wait to see you back in our screens.”
While a fourth remarked: “Oh my looks like a new career too, all the best to you Gino.”
Among the claims levelled at Gino is one from a female telly producer who claimed that he drew an explicit picture of her during live filming.
It has also been alleged that Gino kissed a footballer’s wife in front of her husband, before telling charity gala guests he did it “because I can”.
One woman, who has been called Hannah to protect her identity, told ITV News Correspondent Sejal Karia the TV chef made inappropriate sexual comments to her on a job in 2011.
She said Gino told her he would like to have sex “against the kitchen counter”.
Josie Gibson liked Gino’s post about his TV return[/caption]
Leigh Francis worked with Gino for years on Celebrity Juice and has backed his pal[/caption]
The chef has been working in Ireland[/caption]
Multiple women came forward with allegations against Gino – and he had denied any wrongdoing[/caption]
Gino’s response in full
In a statement to ITV News, Gino D’Acampo 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.”
