The culinary world is buzzing with anticipation as Italian celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo, known for his cheeky charm and unapologetic personality, prepares to make a dramatic return to ITV with his new series, An Italian in Malta. The announcement, made via a vibrant Instagram post on September 5, 2025, confirmed the show’s premiere date of September 25, 2025, marking D’Acampo’s bold re-entry into television after a tumultuous year. The 48-year-old chef, a fixture on British screens since the early 2000s, was dropped from ITV’s schedules in February 2025 following allegations of inappropriate behavior on set. Despite his vehement denials and a groundswell of support from fans and industry allies, the controversy cast a shadow over his career. Now, with An Italian in Malta, D’Acampo is poised to reclaim his spotlight, promising a vibrant exploration of Maltese cuisine and culture that’s as fiery as the chef himself.

This article delves into the details of D’Acampo’s comeback, the controversy that preceded it, the new show’s premise, and the polarized reactions from fans, critics, and industry insiders. With a blend of culinary passion, personal redemption, and D’Acampo’s signature wit, An Italian in Malta is set to be one of the most talked-about TV events of the year.

The Rise of Gino D’Acampo: A Culinary and TV Icon

Born Gennaro Sheffield D’Acampo on July 17, 1976, in Torre del Greco, Naples, Gino inherited his love for cooking from his grandfather Giovanni. After honing his skills at Luigi De Medici catering college, he moved to London at 19, working at restaurants like The Orchard in Hampstead and Cambio in Guildford. His television career began in 2000 as a judge on ITV’s Too Many Cooks, but it was his 2009 victory on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! that catapulted him to fame, earning him the title of King of the Jungle. Since then, D’Acampo has been a mainstay on ITV, appearing regularly on This Morning since 2009 and hosting shows like Gino’s Italian Escape (2013–2020), Let’s Do Lunch with Gino & Mel (2011–2014), and the popular Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip alongside Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix.

D’Acampo’s appeal lies in his larger-than-life personality—equal parts cheeky, charismatic, and irreverent. His cooking segments, often laced with innuendo and humor, have made him a beloved figure among viewers. He’s also a savvy entrepreneur, co-owning Bontà Italia Ltd, a supplier of Italian ingredients, and launching a chain of restaurants under his name, including My Pasta Bar and Luciano in Malta. His cookbooks, iPhone app, and ready meals for Tesco Finest further cemented his brand. However, his career hasn’t been without controversy, from a 1998 burglary conviction to recent allegations that tested his public image.

The Controversy: Allegations and ITV’s Response

In February 2025, ITV News published an investigation alleging “dozens” of claims of inappropriate and intimidating behavior by D’Acampo spanning over 12 years. Anonymous accusers, primarily women who worked on shows like Gino’s Italian Escape, Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip, and Gino’s Italian Express, described his conduct as “unacceptable” and “distressing.” Specific allegations included sexualized comments, such as a 2011 magazine shoot where a woman claimed D’Acampo made a crude remark about her body, and a 2018 incident on Road Trip where he allegedly announced feeling “like f******” on set. Another crew member recounted a 2019 episode where D’Acampo reportedly threatened a runner over an ice cream, saying, “If you don’t get me a Cornetto, I will f*** your girlfriend,” a remark that left witnesses “appalled” and “disgusted.”

D’Acampo, through his legal team, “firmly denied” the allegations, calling them “deeply upsetting” and asserting they were “not in my nature.” He claimed he was never directly informed of these complaints and described some as a “fabricated work of fiction.” ITV responded swiftly, pulling reruns of Family Fortunes and Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South from its linear schedule, replacing them with Wheel of Fortune and Abbey Clancy: Celebrity Homes. A new series of Family Fortunes filmed in October 2023 was shelved, with no plans to air. ITV stated that production companies bear primary responsibility for workplace conduct, noting that most allegations were not reported to them at the time, but action was taken when issues were raised.

The fallout was significant. Melanie Sykes, D’Acampo’s former co-host on Let’s Do Lunch, criticized the TV industry for enabling “monsters,” though she didn’t directly name D’Acampo. Meanwhile, Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip faced uncertainty, with D’Acampo having already stepped back in 2023 due to contract disputes, prioritizing his friendship with Ramsay and Sirieix. The allegations sparked a broader conversation about workplace culture in television, with Bectu’s Philippa Childs calling for a “radical step-change” to protect freelancers.

The Comeback: An Italian in Malta and a New Chapter

Despite the controversy, D’Acampo has remained active on social media, sharing upbeat cooking videos with his wife, Jessica, and their children, Luciano (22), Rocco (19), and Mia (12). His nearly five million followers across Instagram and Facebook have continued to engage with his content, from recipes for Neapolitan pizza dough to seafood risotto. In March 2025, he teased his return with Instagram posts from a set in Ireland, where he filmed a series playing an Italian-American mechanic, hinting at a foray into acting. But it’s An Italian in Malta that marks his official ITV comeback, set to air on September 25, 2025.

The travelogue series sees D’Acampo exploring Malta, a Mediterranean island close to his heart, where he opened his restaurant Luciano, named after his son. In an interview with The Mirror, he described the show’s premise: “The idea is to show everyone all over the world a bit about the country—I want to find the perfect restaurant, the perfect recipe, the perfect spot. I will speak to the local people, what they cook and how they cooked 200 years ago.” Filmed in vibrant locations like Valletta and Gozo, the series promises D’Acampo’s signature blend of culinary discovery, cultural storytelling, and humor. Expect him to dive into Maltese staples like rabbit stew, pastizzi, and ftira, while sharing anecdotes from his Neapolitan roots.

D’Acampo’s return isn’t limited to ITV. He’s lined up international projects, including a judging role on MasterChef Malta, live theater shows in Montreal and Toronto for An Italian in Canada, and a U.S. pilot, Spaghetti Wars, set to air this autumn. These ventures highlight his global appeal, with executive producer Barry Mendelson calling him “fabulous on the air.” D’Acampo also plans to open two restaurants in Australia this winter, further expanding his culinary empire.

Mixed Reactions: Support, Skepticism, and Social Media Buzz

The announcement of An Italian in Malta has ignited a firestorm of reactions, reflecting D’Acampo’s polarizing persona. Supporters, including fans and industry allies, have rallied behind him. Josie Gibson, a This Morning co-star, liked his Instagram post about the Ireland shoot, risking ITV’s ire with her public support. On X, fans expressed excitement, with @ItalianFoodie22 posting: “Gino’s back with An Italian in Malta! Can’t wait for his cheeky recipes and that Neapolitan charm. ITV better not mess this up! #GinoDacampo.” Another user, @FoodieFanatic, wrote: “Love him or hate him, Gino’s passion for food is unmatched. Malta’s gonna be a treat! 🍝 #TVComeback.” These posts reflect a loyal fanbase eager for his return, seeing his humor as part of his appeal.

Female producers who’ve worked with D’Acampo have also defended him. One told The Daily Mail: “There are some monsters who work in television, but Gino was never one of them. He certainly has a risqué sense of humour, and it was actively encouraged by his co-stars, including Holly Willoughby.” They argue he was “portrayed as something he was not” and deserves a second chance. Paul Young, whose home D’Acampo burgled in 1998, has forgiven him, noting their amicable encounters at ITV studios. Jeremy Clarkson also defended D’Acampo, railing against cancel culture in a broader rant supporting other embattled stars.

However, skepticism persists. Critics on X voiced concerns about ITV’s decision to reinstate D’Acampo so soon. @TVWatcherUK posted: “Gino’s back on ITV? After all those allegations? Feels like they’re sweeping it under the rug. #Accountability.” Another user, @MediaCritic88, questioned: “Is An Italian in Malta a redemption arc or just ITV banking on Gino’s popularity? Those claims weren’t light. #TVEthics.” These sentiments echo broader concerns about the TV industry’s handling of misconduct allegations, especially given reports that Objective Media Group knew of issues in 2018 but continued working with D’Acampo.

Some viewers remain wary of D’Acampo’s “cheeky chappy” persona. A crew member from Gino’s Italian Express told ITV News: “His persona allows him to hide in plain sight. If I see him on TV, I have to leave the room.” This suggests a lingering distrust among some who worked with him, contrasting with his public image as a lovable rogue. The polarized reactions highlight the challenge D’Acampo faces in rebuilding trust while staying true to his brand.

Why An Italian in Malta Matters

An Italian in Malta is more than a cooking show; it’s a high-stakes moment for D’Acampo and ITV. For the chef, it’s a chance to move beyond the allegations and reassert his status as a culinary entertainer. His decision to film abroad, in a country tied to his personal ventures, suggests a strategic pivot to international markets where his reputation remains untarnished. The show’s format—blending travel, history, and food—builds on the success of Gino’s Italian Escape, which fans praised for its authentic recipes and storytelling.

For ITV, the series is a gamble. After shelving Family Fortunes and Secrets of the South, the network is betting on D’Acampo’s star power to draw viewers, especially after This Morning segments featuring him continued to air, albeit sparingly. The decision to greenlight An Italian in Malta reflects confidence in his ability to deliver ratings, but it also risks backlash if audiences perceive it as ignoring the allegations. ITV’s statement about strengthened workplace policies indicates an attempt to address criticism, but the true test will be how the show is received.

The series also taps into 2025’s trend of culinary travelogues, competing with shows like Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy. D’Acampo’s hands-on approach—cooking with locals, exploring markets, and sharing personal anecdotes—sets it apart, promising an immersive experience. His restaurant Luciano in Malta, named after his son, adds a personal stake, as he’s likely to feature dishes from its menu, like roasted peppers with garlic and parsley.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

D’Acampo’s comeback faces hurdles. The allegations, though denied, have left a mark, and Season 1 of An Italian in Malta must navigate public scrutiny. Maintaining his humor without crossing into insensitivity will be key, especially given past incidents like his 2023 This Morning comments about Phillip Schofield, which left hosts Holly Willoughby and Dermot O’Leary cringing. His acting role in Ireland, playing a trouble-prone mechanic, suggests a desire to diversify, but it risks diluting his culinary brand if not executed well.

Yet, opportunities abound. D’Acampo’s international projects, from MasterChef Malta to An Italian in Canada, position him as a global star. His social media presence, with millions of engaged followers, proves his enduring popularity. Posts like his tiramisu recipe on @culinary_wonderland, shared with a “GINO20” discount code, show he’s leveraging digital platforms to stay relevant. His family-oriented content, featuring Jessica and their children, humanizes him, countering the narrative of misconduct.

Conclusion: A Fiery Return with High Stakes

Gino D’Acampo’s return with An Italian in Malta on September 25, 2025, is a bold statement: “I’m back!” After a year of controversy, the fiery Italian chef is ready to reclaim his place on ITV, bringing his passion for food and storytelling to a new audience. The show promises a vibrant journey through Malta’s culinary and cultural landscape, but it comes with baggage. Supporters see it as a deserved second chance, while critics question the timing and accountability. With his trademark wit, culinary expertise, and a knack for stirring conversation, D’Acampo’s comeback is set to be as spicy as his Neapolitan recipes. Whether it’s a triumph or a flashpoint, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Gino when An Italian in Malta hits screens.