Phillip Schofield is reportedly standing by his friend and former This Morning co-host, Gino D’Acampo, after the celebrity chef was dismissed from ITV following multiple allegations of misconduct. Sources close to Schofield claim that both he and Gino feel they have been unfairly treated by the network, with Schofield offering emotional support as his pal faces a difficult time.
The two have remained close since their time together on This Morning, where Gino was a regular contributor with his cooking segment. Despite Schofield’s own public scandal, which led to him losing his position in 2023 after admitting to an affair with a younger male colleague, he is said to be offering a listening ear to Gino, who is now at the center of misconduct claims.
The allegations against Gino stem from ITV’s investigation into complaints made by over 40 individuals, with accusations of sexually inappropriate behavior and distressing encounters spanning over a period of 12 years. Among the claims, one woman, named Hannah for anonymity, accused Gino of making vulgar comments in 2011, while a former runner alleged Gino made a sexually explicit threat regarding his girlfriend. Gino has vehemently denied all allegations, calling them deeply upsetting and untrue. He has expressed that he was never made aware of any complaints until now, and in a statement, he stressed that such behavior is not in his nature.
As ITV decided to pull Gino’s shows, including Family Fortunes and Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South, sources indicate that Schofield has been a constant support, with their wives also maintaining a close friendship. Schofield, known for his own turbulent fall from grace, is said to understand the emotional toll of losing a career in the spotlight. One source close to Schofield and D’Acampo told the Mail on Sunday, “Phil knows what it’s like to go through losing his TV career, so he’s been a good support.”
Despite the accusations against Gino, a close associate revealed that both men feel they were treated unjustly by ITV. Schofield reportedly maintains that if his affair had been with a younger woman rather than a man, his career might not have been affected in the same way. Meanwhile, Gino has voiced concerns that ITV had previously encouraged him to act in a “laddy” and “flirty” manner, which he now believes led to his dismissal.
In response to the allegations, Gino has denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that he has always been supported by ITV executives and that no complaints were raised during his tenure. He expressed deep disappointment that such accusations were coming forward only now, after a career of working with thousands of colleagues.
While Gino’s future with ITV remains uncertain, Schofield’s continued support highlights a shared experience between the two men, as they navigate the harsh realities of a media industry that often holds its stars to unforgiving standards.
