Gino D’Acampo is planning his television comeback with a new travel series called “An Italian In Malta” set to air in September, alongside his first acting role in an unnamed Irish series.
The celebrity chef revealed his return to screens comes after he was removed from ITV programming in February following allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he has denied.
D’Acampo will play an Italian-American mechanic in the scripted drama, marking his acting debut.
“I am playing a part in a series, my part is this Italian-American mechanic that is always in trouble with the police or always in trouble with the law,” he told The Mirror.
The travel programme will see D’Acampo exploring Malta to showcase the Mediterranean island to international audiences.
“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,” he explained.
The presenter plans to delve into Malta’s culinary heritage during filming. “I will speak to the local people, what they cook and how they cooked 200 years ago,” he said.
D’Acampo recently opened his first international restaurant, Luciano, in Malta earlier this month to positive reviews.
MORE LIKE THIS:
Gino D’Acampo returns to filming amid ITV ‘misconduct’ storm as TV chef teases ‘can’t wait for you to see it’Gino D’Acampo feels ‘hard done by’ with ITV and Gordon Ramsay’s ‘anti-Gino’ stance amid misconduct complaintsFred Sirieix and wife in public show of support for Gino D’Acampo amid ITV ‘inappropriate’ behaviour saga
Speaking about his character in the mystery series, D’Acampo described the role as a departure from his usual television work.
“He became a mechanic and he’s helping the main character in the show,” he said.
The chef was quick to clarify the nature of his new venture. “This is acting now, I’m not becoming a real mechanic, I’m useless at stuff like that,” he told The Mirror.
The Irish series marks D’Acampo’s first scripted television role, though details about the production, including its title and broadcast plans, have not been disclosed.
The 48-year-old chef was removed from ITV’s programming in February following an ITV News investigation into allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour, including claims of using sexualised and aggressive language over a 12-year period.
D’Acampo has “firmly denied” the accusations, stating they were “simply not in my nature”.
Despite reports suggesting Gordon Ramsay had distanced himself from his Road Trip co-star, D’Acampo maintains they remain close friends.
“If I FaceTime here he would answer of course,” he told Vibe FM Podcast.
The presenter expressed gratitude for Malta’s warm reception. “The Maltese have been very welcoming and have said ‘hi I’m pleased that you’re here’ and I am so grateful for that,” he said.