John Barrowman has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Gino D’Acampo, suggesting that the celebrity chef’s career in television may be beyond repair.
The former Doctor Who star also pointed fingers at TV production teams, accusing them of fostering a culture that encouraged certain behaviors—only to later condemn them.
D’Acampo, 48, has been at the center of a scandal after an ITV investigation uncovered claims of inappropriate and “distressing” behavior spanning 12 years.
While he has strongly denied the allegations, his career has taken a hit, with ITV confirming that over 40 individuals had come forward with concerns.
Barrowman Speaks Out on Industry Hypocrisy
Barrowman, who has also faced scrutiny over his past behavior, addressed fans’ questions in a Q&A session.
When asked about his future in television, he was candid about his current situation.
“At the moment, no. You won’t see me. Nothing lies ahead for me on television because of all the c**p that was said about me—which is not true,” he stated.
Drawing parallels between his own experience and D’Acampo’s, Barrowman claimed that the industry’s double standards played a role in the downfall of both careers. He cited an example from 2011 when D’Acampo famously cooked naked on This Morning, wearing only an apron. According to Barrowman, such stunts were often encouraged by producers, creating an atmosphere where stars felt pressured to participate in risque humor for entertainment value.
“Now, he didn’t decide to do that. Production asked him to do it. So they’re sexualizing him in the same way as when I was on camera, and they would do something like, ‘You gotta be naked. You’ve got to do this,’” he explained.
Barrowman argued that television producers created a work environment where playful, cheeky behavior was encouraged—only to later condemn it when public attitudes shifted.
“So we then feel that there’s an atmosphere of, ‘Let’s have a laugh and let’s have fun.’ So then when it comes out that we’ve had a laugh, they all go, ‘Oh my God. We’re not on with this!’ This is hypocrisy, basically,” he added.
Despite his own career setbacks, Barrowman remains optimistic about the future, saying he plans to focus on touring until the controversy surrounding him dies down.
Vicky Entwistle Defends D’Acampo
Former Coronation Street actress Vicky Entwistle has also spoken out in defense of D’Acampo, criticizing ITV’s handling of the situation. She accused the network of capitalizing on D’Acampo’s on-screen persona for years, only to turn against him when social and cultural norms changed.
“I don’t know this man personally, therefore have no reason to stick my neck out in his defense. 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?!?!” Entwistle wrote.
Her comments reflect growing concerns about how TV networks handle allegations against high-profile personalities. While some argue that inappropriate behavior should never be excused, others believe that the industry selectively enforces accountability based on shifting public sentiment.
ITV Investigation and D’Acampo’s Response
ITV’s investigation into D’Acampo’s behavior has reportedly involved over 40 individuals, including those who claim to have witnessed or personally experienced inappropriate conduct. However, the broadcaster also noted that some people spoke positively about working with the chef.
A statement from D’Acampo’s legal team strongly denied the allegations.
“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,” D’Acampo stated, emphasizing that the accusations were “deeply upsetting.”
Despite his long-standing presence on UK television since the early 2000s—most notably as a regular on ITV cooking and travel programs—his future in broadcasting remains uncertain.
Barrowman’s Own Controversy
Barrowman himself has struggled to reclaim his place in the industry following allegations about his behavior on the set of Doctor Who. Reports surfaced that he had exposed himself on set, leading to backlash and professional consequences. While he did make an appearance on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, he has been dropped from other major TV roles, including his position as a judge on Dancing On Ice.
Though he continues to maintain his innocence, Barrowman’s experience reflects the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry—one where public perception can rapidly shift a celebrity’s career trajectory.
What’s Next for Both Stars?
While Barrowman has accepted that his return to mainstream TV may not happen anytime soon, he remains hopeful that time will allow him to rebuild his reputation. Meanwhile, D’Acampo’s future remains uncertain as ITV continues its investigation.
The debate over industry hypocrisy and accountability remains ongoing, with some arguing that TV networks must take responsibility for fostering certain environments. Whether Barrowman or D’Acampo will ever make a full return to television remains to be seen.
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