Gino D'Acampo's ITV shows removed from schedule

ITV has removed the upcoming program featuring celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo from its broadcast schedule following allegations of inappropriate and intimidating behavior on set. This move has sparked widespread attention and prompted a re-examination of professional ethics within the television production environment.

According to a BBC News report, an ITV spokesperson stated that the program "Family Fortunes," originally scheduled to air on ITV2 on Friday evening, has been replaced with "Wheel of Fortune." Furthermore, two episodes of "Southward Bound," initially slated for broadcast on ITVBe on Sunday, are also no longer included in the channel's programming schedule. This follows an ITV News investigation reporting that it had interviewed "dozens of people" who accused D'Acampo of making "unacceptable," "distressing," and "appalling" remarks.

D'Acampo's legal team issued a statement to ITV News, stating that D'Acampo "firmly denies" these "deeply troubling" allegations. BBC News has contacted D'Acampo's representatives for comment. It is understood that there are currently no further repeat broadcasts featuring D'Acampo scheduled on ITV's linear programming. However, some of his programs remain available for viewing on ITVX, the broadcaster's streaming service.

Reportedly, anonymous accusers, claiming to have worked with D'Acampo on television productions, have accused him of aggressive behavior, using abusive language during outbursts on set, and employing sexually suggestive language. ITV News reported that his behavior allegedly left some production staff feeling frightened and uncomfortable. The news outlet added that most of the people they spoke to were freelancers and were afraid to raise complaints at the time for fear of jeopardizing future employment opportunities.

ITV said in a statement that production companies have "primary responsibility for the duty of care towards everyone they work with." The broadcaster stated that it has "strengthened" its policies over the past five years regarding the standards it expects production companies working with them to adhere to. "The concerns and complaints raised by everyone spoken to by ITN [the producer of ITV News] described inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour. The majority of those were not raised with ITV at the time. Where issues were raised with ITV, action was taken."