This Morning fans 'work out' ITV's 'replacement' for Gino D'Acampo
This Morning viewers all believe a former Masterchef winner could be announced as Gino D'Acampo's "replacement". Rumours about who might step into Gino's role began to swirl after the TV chef was accused of "sexually inappropriate" behaviour.
According to ITV News reports, Gino has been accused by dozens of people for "unacceptable", "distressing" and "horrendous" behaviour over a period that exceeds 12 years. The 48-year-old star has "firmly denied" all allegations in a statement, adding that claims were "deeply upsetting".
Since ITV News confirmed an investigation was underway, speculation has been rife on online platforms about who might step into Gino's shoes on This Morning.
Gino has been a regular on the daytime favourite as a chef since 2009 but his absence on the show has not gone unnoticed by eagle-eyed fans who believe one person has already taken over his role.
We have gone to ITV for further comment.
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Over on X - formerly Twitter - ITV fans are all agreeing that Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2024, has already "quietly" taken over from Gino.
One person kicked off speculation, asking other fans: "Are they quietly replacing Gino with Vito? #thismorning," a second person shared the same sentiment, adding: "Looks like #ThisMorning have replaced Gino..."
While a third person announced on the same platform: "Gino's been replaced already then #thismorning." A fourth person simply noted the TV chef's absence, adding: "Where's Gino D'Acampo this morning"
Fans might have a good reason for pointing the finger, after his victory in the MasterChef kitchen, Vito was snapped up by ITV producers, making his first ever appearance on the show back in October and serving up his Nona's famous recipe.
Vito explained that pasta ala norma is a family dish that is usually served up every Sunday by his mother in the Coppola household. Before his This Morning debut, he nervously told fans: "This is the first time for me cooking live, I will go with the flow."
There was so much praise online as fans hailed Vito for his bubbly presence on set, one person penned: "I'm only here for Vito," another demanded: "Please make Vito a regular. He brings such joy and innocent passion." A third person also stated on X: "I could listen to Vito talk all day."
Soon after the Strictly pro's cooking appearance, allegations began to surface to the network about Gino's "inappropriate behaviour," this after the scandal involving MasterChef host Greg Wallace had came to light.
According to The Sun, a person who had worked with Gino for five years came forward after the Gregg Wallace situation unravelled back in November 2024.
A source previously told The Sun: "She worked [with Gino] for five years. She has come forward after being spurred on by the Gregg Wallace scandal and the comment he made about his accusers being middle-class women of a certain age."
ITV commented at the time: "We can't really comment on anything specific as we have duty of care to any complainant that comes forward".
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV1, from 12:30pm.
