Phillip Schofield is reportedly offering his support to Gino D’Acampo following ITV News investigation into allegations of misconduct by the popular TV chef.
The two are believed to have maintained a close relationship since co-working on This Morning, where Gino featured regularly in the cooking segment. Currently, Phil, who saw his TV career come to an end in 2023 after confessing to an “unwise, but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague, is said to be aiding his friend.
Gino was “cancelled” earlier this month when several women accused him of acting inappropriately towards them. He has strongly denied the allegations.
An ITV News investigation branded his alleged actions as “distressing” and “sexually inappropriate”. It has been reported that over 40 individuals detailed experiences with Gino that were termed as “unacceptable, “distressing,” and “horrendous”, stretching over more than 12 years.
Phil has reportedly become a pillar of support for Ginoamidst his recent TV woes, with ITV axing shows like Family Fortunes and Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South.
Even as celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is rumoured to have distanced himself from Gino, it’s Phil who has stepped up for his former colleague.
The bond between the two families is strong, with Phil and his wife Stephanie having attended the 50th birthday bash of Gino’s wife Jessica at the exclusive Soho House last month.
An insider divulged to the Mail on Sunday: “Phil and Gino always got on well. He was part of the This Morning family for a long time so Phil has kept in contact with him, and he is a very good listener. Phil knows what it’s like to go through losing his TV career, so he’s been a good support. As well as working together, their wives are close. Mental health is something Phil cares about deeply. He wants to help where he can.”
The source also suggested that both Phil and Gino feel they’ve been given the short end of the stick by ITV. Phil allegedly believes that his coming out has led to unfair treatment compared to if he had an affair with a woman.
Meanwhile, Gino contends that his “laddy”, flirtatious persona, which ITV purportedly encouraged, played a role in his dismissal.
The Express has sought comments from Phil’s representatives regarding these claims.
Gino has strongly rebuffed all the accusations levelled against him, expressing his dismay.
He asserted in his response: “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.”
He went on to add: “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.”
