Gino D’Acampo’s Family Fortunes slot has been replaced on ITV, after reports it was being shelved following the allegations against the presenter.
This Morning star D’Acampo 48, is facing allegations from dozens of people who have worked with him over a 12-year period, with complaints of alleged bullying and sexually inappropriate comments.
D’Acampo has ‘firmly denied’ the accusations – which include alleged behaviour described as ‘unacceptable,’ ‘distressing’ and ‘horrendous’ – and has remained out of the spotlight since.
After the scandal emerged, it was reported that D’Acampo’s pre-filmed episodes of Family Fortunes will no longer be aired and that all of his shows from upcoming ITV schedules had been pulled.
It has now been announced that a new series of Stephen Mulhern’s Celebrity Catchphrase will be moving from its traditional Saturday slot to Sunday nights, instead of Family Fortunes.
ITV commissioner Gemma John-Lewis told TV Zone: ‘We’re delighted to announce a further series of the much loved family favourite, Celebrity Catchphrase.
‘The only show where you say what you see, the hugely popular series continues to win legions of fans and with Stephen’s infectious and playful humour it’s a firm favourite with our viewers.’
Gary Chippington, Executive Producer and Creative Director of STV Studios Entertainment, added: ‘It’s testament to Catchphrase’s fantastic format and universal appeal that it’s still one of the UK’s most-loved entertainment shows, four decades after ITV first commissioned it…
‘The incomparable Stephen Mulhern is a huge part of the show’s success, and we’re looking forward to getting back in the studio with him and a great line-up of stars later this year for what promises to be another brilliant series of Celebrity Catchphrase.’
Mulhern, 47, will also continue to present Dancing On Ice, Deal or No Deal and You Bet! though it’s been claimed Holly Willoughby won’t be by his side.
Meanwhile, it was previously said D’Acampo’s pre-recorded episodes of Family Fortunes would not air after the allegations against him.
It was reported episodes were filmed in 2023 and were due to be broadcast this spring.
D’Acampo has hosted the series since its return in 2020, and is best known for appearing on shows including This Morning, and also fronted Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip alongside Fred and Gordon Ramsay since 2018, which follows the trio visiting various countries and cities and exploring local culture and cuisine.
Following reports that his TV shows had been pulled from schedules, a source told MailOnline: ‘He’s in a lot of trouble and ITV don’t want to be in a BBC situation [with Gregg Wallace] or have a repeat of Schofield so they are covering all their bases.’
It was reported in December that he was ‘slowly being sidelined’ by ITV after allegedly facing a string of inappropriate behaviour claims made against him.
Following the allegations, ITV said in a statement: ‘All of the concerns and complaints raised by those who have spoken to ITN describe behaviour which is inappropriate and unacceptable. Most of them were not reported to ITV at the time. Where issues have been raised with ITV action has been taken.’
D’Acampo previously responded to the full claims with a statement: ‘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.’
ITV added: ‘ITV has made our position very clear. Our promise to those we work with is that where a complaint is made to ITV or serious concerns raised, we will look into it, and if we find that something inappropriate has happened, we will take action.’
Metro has approached ITV for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
