Gino D’Acampo reveals the future of ITV show with Gordon and Fred after shock decision to ‘quit’
The celebrity chef has also lifted the lid on his relationship with This Morning after pals Holly and Phillip’s exit
GINO D’Acampo has revealed what the future holds for his travel show with Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix.
Popular ITV programme Gordon, Gino & Fred was put on hold indefinitely last year when we revealed the Italian chef had sensationally quit amid rumours of a rift behind the scenes.
However, Gino, 47, shared a smiley selfie with Gordon on Friday and has now told the Sun that the series does have a future.
Speaking in association with the Love Food Hate Waste campaign for Food Waste Action Week, he said: “I’ve been friends with Gordon for 25 years and Fred for 10. Our dream is always to get the show back on the road – it’s all about finding the time.”
And there’s similar optimism for his role as guest chef on This Morning.
Gino was a regular on the programme when it was fronted by pals Holy Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, but he hasn’t been seen on it in recent months.
After a lengthy period away, he is returning to the show today and has promised that his long-standing relationship with it will continue.
He said: “Of course – This Morning is my home! I know Ben [Shephard] and Cat [Deeley] very well and whenever I have the chance I will always return. I also just finished filming in Tuscany with This Morning, and it was loads of fun.”
Gino is currently using his profile as a celebrity chef to promote a campaign to help cut back on the 8.2million baskets of food – or 60,000 tonnes – that are wasted annually in the UK.
Though he’s worked in the food industry for decades, Gino was shocked to learn that the equivalent of £1,000 of food per household was being squandered every year.
He now wants to educate people on how they can reduce waste and save money at the same time.
“It’s so easy to shop without thinking,” he said. “If your dish only needs three carrots then buy three carrots! Choose what you’ll use, don’t just buy a big bag that will probably go to waste.”
It’s a tactic Gino uses in his restaurants as well as at home.
He continued: “I also think the best thing any cook can do is learn recipes that can be made with leftovers. Soups, risottos, and frittatas are some brilliant examples of dishes that can incorporate pre-cooked veg from a meal the night before.
“The best part is, the extra day allows the flavours to really develop, so not only are you using up good quality veg that might otherwise go in the bin, but you’re also getting a tasty and filling meal the next day.
“If you have the time – do the prep! There are also loads of recipes you can prep on the weekend and freeze for the week ahead (such as Shepherd’s Pie etc.)
“I want to encourage as many people as possible to choose loose. It not only reduces food waste but can save you money.”
It’s a message echoed by Love Food Hate Waste’s Senior Campaign Manager, Jackie Bailey.
She said: “This Food Waste Action Week we want to help people to choose what they’ll use and avoid costly waste.
“By releasing ‘All the Single Veggies’ with Gino, we’re showing people the many benefits of loose in terms of slashing food and plastic waste, saving families money, and dramatically reducing environmental impact.
“But right now, the options for loose are limited so, we need changes in the fresh produce aisle and shopper habits to really nail this problem.”
