The culinary world is buzzing with excitement as Gino D’Acampo, the charismatic Italian chef and TV personality, has officially announced his return to television following a dramatic exit from ITV in 2023. Known for his cheeky charm, infectious energy, and mouthwatering recipes, Gino’s departure from the network—where he’d been a staple on shows like This Morning and Family Fortunes—left fans heartbroken and speculating about his next move. Now, in a bombshell reveal on April 1, 2025, the “King of Italian Cooking” is back, promising a fresh chapter that has viewers on the edge of their seats. With anticipation at fever pitch, here’s everything we know about Gino’s triumphant TV comeback and what he might have up his sleeve.
The ITV Exit That Shocked Fans
Gino D’Acampo’s journey with ITV was nothing short of iconic. From his breakout win on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2009 to his long-running stint as a chef on This Morning, Gino became a household name, blending Italian flair with a mischievous sense of humor. His chemistry with co-stars Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield was electric, while his travel series Gino’s Italian Family Adventure and game show revival Family Fortunes cemented his status as a versatile entertainer. But in March 2023, Gino dropped a bombshell: he was quitting ITV’s Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip, his hit show with Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix, citing scheduling conflicts and a desire to “spend more time with my family.”
The announcement sent shockwaves through the TV world. “I’ve loved every minute with Gordon and Fred, but I need a break,” Gino told The Sun. Fans feared it marked the end of his ITV era, especially as his Family Fortunes reboot wrapped its second series in 2022 with no renewal confirmed. Rumors swirled that tensions with ITV bosses over creative control and his packed schedule—juggling TV, cookbooks, and his restaurant chain—had pushed him to step back. By late 2023, Gino had all but vanished from screens, leaving a void in daytime TV. “Gino’s the heart of ITV’s food lineup,” one viewer tweeted. “It’s not the same without him.”
Life After ITV
Gino didn’t disappear entirely after his ITV exit. He threw himself into his business ventures, including his My Pasta Bar chain and a new cookbook, Gino’s Italy: Like Mamma Used to Make, released in September 2023 to rave reviews. Social media kept fans in the loop, with Gino posting cooking tutorials from his Sardinian villa and teasing “big plans” with cryptic captions like “The king never leaves the throne.” He also made headlines in 2024 when he reunited with Gordon and Fred for a one-off charity special, Chefs for Heroes, raising £1.2 million for NHS workers—a hint that his TV hiatus might not be permanent.
Behind the scenes, Gino was vocal about needing a reset. In a candid Daily Mail interview, he admitted, “I was working 14-hour days, flying between Italy and the UK. I missed my kids growing up.” Married to Jessica Stellina since 2002, with three children—Luciano, Rocco, and Mia—Gino prioritised family, even joking he’d rather “cook pasta for my wife than for a TV crew.” But as 2024 rolled on, whispers grew that the 48-year-old was itching to return. “Gino’s a born performer,” a friend told The Express. “He can’t stay away from the camera for long.”
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Gino shared a collection of snaps where he could be seen working as a mechanic with his face covered in grime as he filmed scenes for the mystery series
‘What a fantastic experience in Ireland working on a new series…’ he captioned the snaps shared on Instagram on Tuesday
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The Big Announcement
On April 1, 2025, Gino set the internet ablaze with a single Instagram post: a photo of him in a chef’s apron, arms outstretched, captioned, “KING IS REALLY BACK! New TV adventures coming soon—watch this space! 👑🍝.” The announcement, paired with a teaser clip of him tossing pizza dough to an Italian opera soundtrack, sent fans into a frenzy. “Gino’s return is the best news of 2025!” one follower gushed, while another wrote, “ITV better not sleep on this—bring him back!” Within hours, #GinoIsBack was trending on X, with over 50,000 likes on his post.
Details remain scarce, but Gino’s team confirmed to The Mirror that he’s signed a deal for a “major TV project” set to air later this year. While the network wasn’t specified, speculation is rife that ITV is luring him back—or that a rival like Channel 4 or Netflix is swooping in. “Gino’s a hot commodity,” a TV insider told The Sun. “His exit left a gap, and everyone wants a piece of him now.” Bookmakers have odds at 3/1 for an ITV return, with 5/2 for Channel 4 and 7/1 for a streaming giant like Amazon Prime.
What’s Cooking Next?
So, what could Gino’s comeback entail? Fans and industry insiders have plenty of theories. The most popular bet is a revamped Gino’s Italian Family Adventure, possibly with his kids joining him on-screen. “Luciano’s 21 now, and Mia’s a natural in the kitchen,” a source told OK! Magazine. “Gino wants to make it a family affair.” The original series, which saw him explore Italy’s culinary roots, was a hit in 2021, and a reboot could blend nostalgia with a fresh twist.
Another contender is a This Morning return. With Phillip Schofield’s 2023 exit and Holly Willoughby scaling back, ITV’s daytime lineup has struggled to recapture its magic. Gino’s rapport with Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond—he once taught them to make tiramisu blindfolded—makes him a prime candidate to spice things up. “Gino brings chaos and warmth,” an ITV source said. “He’s exactly what the show needs.”
A wildcard option is a competition show. Imagine Gino’s Kitchen Kings, where amateur cooks battle it out under his watchful eye, or a MasterChef-style format with an Italian twist. His playful yet authoritative style—think Gordon Ramsay with more laughs—could make it a ratings juggernaut. Streaming platforms like Netflix, meanwhile, might pitch a global travelogue, Gino’s World of Flavour, tapping into his international appeal.
Why Fans Can’t Wait
Gino’s return isn’t just about food—it’s about personality. His unscripted antics, like storming off This Morning in 2018 over a mispronounced dish or flirting shamelessly with co-stars, have made him a TV treasure. “He’s the Italian uncle we all wish we had,” one fan tweeted. His authenticity—born in Naples, raised in a family of cooks—shines through, whether he’s whipping up carbonara or bantering with Fred Sirieix. After a two-year absence, viewers are hungry for that energy.
The timing feels right, too. ITV’s 2025 slate needs a boost after a rocky 2024, with Love Island ratings dipping and Britain’s Got Talent facing format fatigue. Gino’s return could be the shot in the arm the network craves. Even if he lands elsewhere, his cross-generational appeal—grandmas love his recipes, teens adore his TikTok vibes—ensures a built-in audience.
Challenges and Stakes
That said, Gino’s comeback isn’t risk-free. His ITV exit left some bridges singed; reports of “creative differences” suggest he’ll demand more control this time. “Gino’s a perfectionist,” a colleague told The Times. “He won’t sign on unless it’s his vision.” His busy life—restaurants, books, family—could also strain his schedule again, risking burnout or another abrupt exit.
Public perception is another hurdle. While his ITV departure wasn’t scandal-driven like Wynne Evans’, some fans felt abandoned. “He ghosted us for two years,” one X user griped. Winning them back will take more than charm—it’ll need a show that delivers. Competition is fierce, too, with chefs like Jamie Oliver and Nadiya Hussain dominating the food TV space.
The Bigger Picture
Gino D’Acampo’s return is a testament to his staying power. At 48, he’s not just a chef—he’s a brand, with a £10 million empire and a knack for reinvention. Whether he’s back on ITV, cooking on Channel 4, or streaming on Netflix, his comeback taps into a universal craving for comfort, laughter, and good food in uncertain times. “Gino’s a mood-lifter,” a fan told RadioTimes. “We need him now more than ever.”
As April 2025 unfolds, the countdown to Gino’s TV return begins. Will he reclaim his ITV crown, or forge a new path elsewhere? One thing’s certain: when Gino D’Acampo steps back into the kitchen—or the studio—fans won’t be able to look away. Stay tuned this autumn for the next delicious chapter, because the king is back, and he’s ready to cook up a storm. Buon appetito!
