Gino D’Acampo’s horrifying x-rated comment to Fearne Cotton live on TV resurfaces after being sacked by ITV
GINO D'Acampo can be seen making a shocking X-rated remark to TV presenter Fearne Cotton in a resurfaced clip amid an investigation into his behaviour.
Fearne, 43, was left wide-eyed by the crass comment, which Gino made about her appearance.
Gino, who has been at the centre of a probe following allegations of sexually inappropriate comments, said the horrifying words while appearing on Celebrity Juice.
In a fun segment, Fearne's face was compared to a pizza, which had olives for eyes, pineapple rings for a nose and red pepper for its mouth.
Host Keith Lemon said: "Look at the likeness!"
Gino, who was sat next to Holly Willoughby, looked across at Fearne and said: "I have a theory and I'm sorry, you know how much I like you, right, but I think when you have big nostrils, actually you can suck like f***."
READ MORE ON GINO D'ACAMPO
Fearne looked instantly shocked, as Keith - real name Leigh Francis - put his hand over his mouth.
As the baying audience starting chanting, Gio continued: "It's because you can breathe easier."
Fearne told him: "Alright, you don't need to elaborate!"
Gino replied: "It's just a theory I have. It's the old Italian wisdom."
He added: "It was a compliment."
The clip of Gino has come to light after dozens of allegations were made against the TV chef, spanning over 14 years.
ITV News, which carried out the investigation into his behaviour, has seen evidence at least one production company was aware of concerns made by crew.
One woman alleges Gino told her in 2011 he would "like to turn me over and f*** me up the a*** against the kitchen counter".
Another person has alleged he told a young staff member: "When are we all going to get drunk and have sex together."
ITV has now cut all ties with Gino and axed one of his shows from this weekend's telly schedule.
GINO STATEMENT IN FULL
In response to the allegations, Gino said:
"I 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.
"Not only have these allegations never been raised with me before, I have been repeatedly supported by executives at the highest level and was commissioned on prime-time programmes during the period in which it is now suggested I was acting inappropriately.
"I am a father, husband and have worked with well over 1,500 people on around 80 productions in my career, which I have been so proud of. I take such matters extremely seriously and the suggestion that I have acted in an improper way against is deeply upsetting."
The broadcaster has dropped two episodes of Gino's Italy: Secrets of the South. It will also not be airing Family Fortunes going forward.
D'Acampo, 48, says he "firmly denied" all allegations made against him.
A statement to ITV News from Gino D'Acampo'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.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"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."