ITV’s Family Fortunes replacement has been revealed after the Gino D’Acampo series was axed amid his misconduct controversy.
The channel confirmed Celebrity Catchphrase, hosted by Stephen Mulhern, 47, will move to a new Sunday night slot this spring,
Celebrity Catchphrase, hosted by Stephen Mulhern will move to a new Sunday night slot this spring[/caption]
It has also recommissioned the celebrity edition of the long-running game show for an 11th series, with the 10th series set to air soon.
Each episode sees three celebrity contestants compete to “say what they see” for a chance to win up to £50,000 for their chosen charity.
Details on transmission dates and participating celebrities will be announced in due course.
ITV commissioner Gemma John-Lewis told TVZone: “We’re delighted to announce a further series of the much-loved family favourite, Celebrity Catchphrase.
“The only show where you say what you see, the hugely popular series continues to win legions of fans, and with Stephen’s infectious and playful humour, it’s a firm favourite with our viewers.”
Gary Chippington, Executive Producer and Creative Director of STV Studios Entertainment, added: “It’s testament to Catchphrase’s fantastic format and universal appeal that it’s still one of the UK’s most-loved entertainment shows, four decades after ITV first commissioned it.
“The incomparable Stephen Mulhern is a huge part of the show’s success, and we’re looking forward to getting back in the studio with him and a great line-up of stars later this year for what promises to be another brilliant series of Celebrity Catchphrase.”
The Italian chef remains under-fire after multiple women came forward, accusing him of “sexually inappropriate” and “intimidating” behaviour.
Dozens of allegations have been made against the TV personality, spanning over 14 years – and ITV News has seen evidence at least one production company was aware of concerns made by crew.
Gino says he “firmly denied” all allegations made against him.
Following the special investigation into the former This Morning star, Family Fortunes was axed.
ITV News reported episodes that were filmed in 2023 will not be broadcast.
The channel had planned to screen them this Spring, but now has ‘no plans’ to work with Gino again.
Family Fortunes ran from 1980 until 2002, with Les Dennis at the helm during its most successful years.
ITV execs revived the format in 2006 with a celebrity edition and Vernon Kay on hosting duties.
That was cancelled in 2015, but the channel offered it a second chance in 2021 by reintroducing the civilian run with Gino.
The full claims against D’Acampo…
- 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” while 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.
A statement to ITV News from Gino’s legal team, said: “This allegation from almost 15 years ago has never, until now via a media request for comment, been raised or put to Mr D’Acampo.
“He does not recall it, nor accept that this happened. Mr D’Acampo is horrified to be accused of “power play” and an “aggressive act”.
“He emphatically and unequivocally denies these allegations.”
