Fans of This Morning are convinced that a former MasterChef champion may be stepping in to replace Gino D’Acampo after allegations surfaced against the celebrity chef.
Speculation has been growing online, with many believing that Strictly Come Dancing star and Celebrity MasterChef winner Vito Coppola is quietly being positioned as his successor.
Allegations Against Gino D’Acampo
The rumors surrounding Gino’s potential replacement come in the wake of serious allegations against the 48-year-old chef.
According to ITV News, multiple individuals have accused him of “sexually inappropriate” behavior spanning more than a decade.
Some have described his alleged actions as “unacceptable,” “distressing,” and even “horrendous.”
In response, Gino has strongly denied all allegations, calling them “deeply upsetting.” Since news of the investigation broke, speculation has intensified regarding his future on This Morning and whether ITV has already begun phasing him out.
Although Gino hasn’t been a regular feature on the show since 2021, he was a staple in the This Morning kitchen from 2009 onward and has made occasional appearances since stepping back. With the controversy surrounding him, viewers have taken to social media to suggest that ITV has already found his replacement.
Vito Coppola Rumored to Step In
On X (formerly Twitter), many This Morning fans have pointed out that Vito Coppola, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2023, seems to have taken over Gino’s role. One viewer questioned: “Are they quietly replacing Gino with Vito? #ThisMorning,” while another suggested, “Looks like #ThisMorning have replaced Gino.”
Others echoed this sentiment, with one fan commenting, “Gino’s been replaced already then #ThisMorning,” and another questioning his absence, writing, “Where’s Gino D’Acampo this morning?”
The speculation follows Vito’s successful debut in the This Morning kitchen in October 2024. During his first live cooking segment, he shared a beloved family recipe—pasta alla norma—explaining that the dish was a Sunday tradition prepared by his mother back home. Ahead of his first appearance, Vito admitted to feeling nervous, telling his followers, “This is the first time for me cooking live, I will go with the flow.”
Despite his initial nerves, the response from viewers was overwhelmingly positive. Many praised his enthusiasm, charm, and passion for cooking, with one fan writing, “I’m only here for Vito,” while another urged ITV to “please make Vito a regular. He brings such joy and innocent passion.”
The Allegations’ Connection to the Gregg Wallace Scandal
The controversy surrounding Gino D’Acampo deepened after The Sun reported that a former colleague came forward following the Gregg Wallace scandal in late 2024. Wallace had been accused of inappropriate behavior, with some of his accusers described as “middle-class women of a certain age.” The ex-colleague of Gino was reportedly “spurred on” by the developments in that case and decided to share her own experiences.
At the time, an ITV spokesperson stated: “We can’t really comment on anything specific as we have a duty of care to any complainant that comes forward.”
What’s Next for This Morning?
While ITV has not made an official statement regarding Gino’s future on the show, the ongoing speculation suggests that the network may be preparing for a transition. If Vito Coppola is indeed being lined up as Gino’s replacement, it would mark a significant shift in This Morning’s culinary segment.
For now, fans will be watching closely to see if ITV officially introduces Vito as a permanent chef or if other names enter the conversation. Regardless of what happens next, it’s clear that This Morning viewers are already embracing Vito’s presence and are eager to see more of him in the show’s kitchen.
