Gino D’Acampo is an Italian-born British celebrity chef, television personality, and restaurateur, renowned for his charismatic presence on British television and his innovative approach to Italian cuisine.

Early Life and Culinary Beginnings

Born Gennaro Sheffield D’Acampo on July 17, 1976, in Torre del Greco, Naples, Italy, Gino was raised in a family deeply rooted in the culinary arts. His grandfather, Giovanni, was a head chef for Costa Cruise Ships, instilling in him a profound passion for cooking. At 18, Gino moved to London to pursue his culinary aspirations, studying at the Luigi De Medici catering college. He began his professional journey in the UK, working in various esteemed establishments and honing his skills in Italian cuisine .CooksInfo+3Wikipedia+3ginodacampo.com+3ginodacampo.com+2CooksInfo+2ginodacampo.com+2ginodacampo.com+1ginodacampo.com+1

Television Career

Gino’s television career took off in the mid-2000s, with notable appearances on shows like Ready Steady Cook and Great Food Live. In 2009, he gained widespread recognition by winning the ninth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. His engaging personality led to regular appearances on ITV’s This Morning and the launch of his own series, Gino’s Italian Escape, which aired from 2013 to 2020 . He also co-hosted Let’s Do Lunch with Gino & Mel alongside Melanie Sykes, blending cooking with celebrity interviews .CooksInfo+1Wikipedia+1The Standard+4Wikipedia+4The Times+4The Standard+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3

Restaurants and Business Ventures

Gino’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a chain of Italian restaurants across the UK. His first venture, My Pasta Bar, opened in 2013 but faced financial challenges and was eventually liquidated in 2022. Despite this setback, he continues to operate several successful establishments, including Luciano by Gino D’Acampo in London, and restaurants in cities like Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, and Manchester .Yahoo Style+2The Scottish Sun+2The Independent+2Instagram+3OpenTable+3Gino D’Acampo+3

Publications

An accomplished author, Gino has penned 17 cookbooks, offering readers a glimpse into authentic Italian cooking. His works include titles like Fantastico! (2007), Gino’s Italian Escape (2013), and Gino’s Air Fryer Cookbook: Italian Classics Made Easy (2024) .Wikipedia

Personal Life

Gino married Jessica Stellina Morrison in 2002, and the couple has three children. They divide their time between their home in Hertfordshire and a residence in Sardinia, embracing a lifestyle that balances family, work, and personal reflection .HELLO!+2Wikipedia+2HELLO!+2The Times

Recent Controversies

In early 2025, ITV News reported multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior by Gino spanning over 12 years. These claims led to ITV severing ties with him, including the removal of reruns of his shows from their schedule. Gino has denied the allegations, stating that such behavior is “simply not in my nature” and describing the reports as “deeply upsetting” .The Times+4The Standard+4Wikipedia+4The Scottish Sun+1The Standard+1

journey

Gino D’Acampo’s journey from a young chef in Naples to a prominent figure in British culinary entertainment showcases his passion for Italian cuisine and his dynamic presence in the media. While his career has faced recent challenges, his contributions to the culinary world remain significant.The Times