Fred Sirieix backs under fire co-star Gino D’Acampo as more allegations of inappropriate behaviour emerge
FRED Sirieix has thrown his support behind Gino D’Acampo as the telly chef faces more allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
The First Dates star, 53, has taken to social media and has backed Gino by liking a short video of the Italian star meeting fans.
Gino, 48, had posted the footage on his Instagram after finding himself at the centre of a series of misconduct claims.
It shows him hugging fans while flogging his cook book at a branch of the supermarket chain ASDA.
Fred, who had remained silent about the investigation into his friend’s behaviour, is now among the 25, 591 followers who have ‘liked’ the post.
The French maître d’hôtel’s move is an indicator that he still considers Gino as his friend following their time together on ITV show Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip.
The programme saw Fred and Gino travelling around various countries alongside Gordon Ramsay as they sampled local cuisine and culture.
However, in 2023, Gino announced he was quitting the show.
It was believed relations between the trio had cooled as a result, with Gino citing “contract complications” as his reason for throwing the towel in.
The Italian chef said at the time: “I decided not to film any more Gordon, Gino and Fred Road trips. The reason is very simple – nothing to do with Gordon or Fred, the friendship is very strong.
He added: “Because contracts start to become very complicated and very stressful, I personally value the friendship with Gordon and Fred so much that I would rather the friendship than arguments with the contract.
“So I have decided not to do it anymore because I want to be friends with the boys for many, many years ahead.”
Gordon is yet to break his silence on the allegations Gino is facing.
Last week, Gino was axed from ITV following an investigation into his behaviour by ITV News.
The former This Morning resident chef is facing more than 40 complaints to the broadcaster of “inappropriate sexual behaviour”, spanning more than 10 years.
Gino, who has three kids with wife Jessica, firmly denies the allegations.
The Sun On Sunday also revealed that staff on This Morning raised concerns about Gino’s conduct 10 years ago.
Several crew and production members flagged alleged issues with bosses, including bullying and sexually inappropriate comments.
It has also been claimed he even made vile comments about the show’s host Holly Willoughby to a shocked woman.
CLAIMS GINO IS FACING
- One woman claimed Gino told her he would “like to turn me over and f*** me up the a*** against the kitchen counter” in 2011.
- Another woman alleged he opened the door only wearing his boxer shorts and said “Oh, don’t worry, it’s only small” which pointing towards his penis.
- In 2018 while on set for the filming of Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip, Gino allegedly said he “felt like f******” one morning.
- The same year Gino is alleged to have made a comment about another young female colleague who claimed he said: “Shouldn’t we be talking about her t***, they’re perfect, they’re like a mouthful.”
- Another alleged he told a young staff member: “When are we all going to get drunk and have sex together.”
- A woman told ITV she saw Gino appearing to threaten a young colleague over an ice cream in 2019, he allegedly said “if you don’t get me a Cornetto I will f*** your girlfriend”.
- In 2022 an internal investigation into Gino was launched at production company Betty TV in relation to alleged inappropriate behaviour and language on the set of Gino’s Italy – Like Mamma Used to Make.
- The production company Objective Media Group said in an email seen by ITV in 2024 that issues also arose in 2023 on the Emission Impossible set.
ITV management was alerted to his alleged behaviour as recently as 2023, the Sun On Sunday revealed.
An insider said: “It was no secret that Gino was difficult to work with and many staff members dreaded being on set with him.
“He would constantly joke about his manhood and make sexually explicit comments that would make people uncomfortable.
“He knew he was ‘The Talent’ and would throw his weight around. A lot of people found him to be a bully, but felt they weren’t taken seriously when they approached senior staff members.
“Gino seemed to get away with it because it was all part of his cheeky charm and appeal, but underneath there was something more sinister.”
Gino’s I’m A Celebrity campmate Kim Woodburn, 82, meanwhile, called him “vile”, telling The Sun he was abusive to crew on the 2009 series, which he won.
ITV has now cut all ties with him, with two repeat episodes of Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South being pulled from the schedule last weekend.
A spokeswoman told The Sun: “ITV has made our position very clear.
“Our promise to those we work with is where a complaint is made to ITV or serious concerns raised, we’ll look into it, and if we find that something inappropriate has happened, we will take action.”
Gino’s lawyer insisted that no one at This Morning “has ever raised concerns with him”.
The telly chef, meanwhile, released a lengthy statement and insisted: “have been told by ITN news that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over ten years ago.
“I have never been made aware of these matters previously and the allegations are firmly denied. I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. This is simply not in my nature. I do not recognise the version of events being put to me.”