Former Coronation Street actress Vicky Entwistle has found herself at the center of controversy 

after publicly supporting TV chef Gino D’Acampo amid allegations of inappropriate behavior. 

The actress, best known for her role as Janice Battersby on the ITV soap, 

has faced significant backlash for her comments, which criticized what she described as the network’s “woke agenda.”

Vicky Entwistle Stands by Her Comments

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Entwistle defended D’Acampo, 

claiming that ITV had previously embraced his cheeky, larger-than-life personality but was now turning against him to align with shifting cultural norms. 

She expressed shock at the negative response her comments received, reaffirming her stance by reposting her original message.

“Genuinely shocked at the response to my comment. I stick by every word. Unless a woman is sexually assaulted in the workplace, there is nothing but hurty words. Are we to cry for that? This man was built up to be everything on his tin; they can’t suddenly change it to suit a trend,” she wrote.

Her words immediately sparked debate online, with many criticizing her dismissal of the allegations and others rallying to her defense.

Original Post Sparks Controversy

On February 10, Entwistle initially voiced her support for D’Acampo by sharing a photo of the Italian chef alongside a caption expressing her frustration over how he was being treated by ITV.

“I don’t know this man personally, therefore I have no reason to stick my neck out in his defense,” she wrote. “BUT!! ITV played that man for all he was worth… cheeky, naughty, foreign, hilarious!! It all fitted in 10 years ago… Now with a new WOKE agenda they crucify him?!?”

Her remarks triggered an immediate wave of backlash, with critics accusing her of downplaying the seriousness of the allegations and dismissing the concerns of those who had spoken out against D’Acampo.

Divided Opinions: Support and Criticism

While Entwistle faced criticism from many social media users, others sided with her, agreeing that ITV had long encouraged D’Acampo’s flamboyant humor and risqué antics. Some argued that the television network was being hypocritical by now condemning him.

One user wrote, “Totally agree, Vicky. I know he was a bit of a naughty boy when he first moved to London, but that was 20+ years ago, and we all make mistakes. He had a family to provide for. I get the impression a lot of these anonymous trolls who are in a permanent state of offense are just sad, lonely, and jealous individuals by nature.”

Another added, “I agree. Gino has never been any different. ‘Carry On’ type humor has always been a part of everything he does. ITV are a joke & a bad one at that. What on earth has happened to them?”

A third echoed similar sentiments, writing, “Totally agree, in my day, we all used to joke around, but no touching—just a laugh. And as far as I’m concerned, the TV was happy to show him naked in his apron. They encouraged him.”

However, not everyone was convinced by Entwistle’s perspective. One user countered her argument, saying, “But nobody knows if all the complaints relate to ‘hurty words,’ do they? There are multiple complaints being investigated by several organizations.”

A Larger Debate Over TV Culture and Changing Standards

The discussion around Gino D’Acampo and ITV’s response has ignited a broader conversation about evolving workplace standards, shifting cultural expectations, and the consequences of past behavior. While some believe that television personalities like D’Acampo should be held accountable for their actions, others argue that the rules of engagement have changed drastically, leaving some long-standing figures vulnerable to scrutiny for behavior that was once accepted or even encouraged.

For Entwistle, the backlash serves as a stark reminder of how divisive these conversations can be. As allegations against D’Acampo continue to unfold, ITV’s stance on the matter remains under scrutiny, and the debate over workplace culture in entertainment shows no signs of slowing down.

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