“I’m back!” – Controversial ITV show with fiery Italian chef Gino D’Acampo announces return date

The new show, titled Spaghetti Wars, is set to launch later in 2025. Positioned as a family-centered cooking competition with an Italian twist, the program will pit groups of contestants against each other in fast-paced culinary battles. D’Acampo has been cast in the role of a dramatic “Boss,” overseeing the contests with his trademark wit and over-the-top flair. Promotional materials tease not just food challenges but also high drama, eliminations, and plenty of unscripted moments—an environment where D’Acampo thrives. The series is already being billed as one of ITV’s most explosive launches of the year, with the network clearly banking on Gino’s reputation for bringing spectacle to the screen.

His return is notable because it comes after a tumultuous year in the public eye. In early 2025, D’Acampo faced serious allegations of inappropriate conduct, allegations that he vehemently denied. At the time, ITV responded by quietly pulling reruns of several of his older programs, including his reboot of Family Fortunes and past cooking specials. The controversy created a cloud over his career, and many wondered if it would mark the end of his time as a mainstream TV personality. The fact that ITV has now chosen to hand him the reins of a brand-new format indicates not just a gamble, but also the network’s belief that his star power remains undeniable.

Fans of D’Acampo have greeted the news with a mixture of relief and excitement. Many have missed his comedic banter, his fiery arguments with co-hosts, and his ability to turn even the most mundane cooking segment into a must-see spectacle. Social media quickly lit up with celebratory posts following the announcement, with fans commenting that Gino’s presence had been sorely missed on their screens. Supporters argue that no one brings the same energy to cooking shows, and they look forward to his signature chaos returning in a new context. The phrase “Brace for chaos” has been echoed across fan pages, turning the slogan into something of a rallying cry for his most loyal followers.

ITV seems to have smoothed things over with the angry Italian chef

TRAVEL show Emissions Impossible is to resume filming after it came to an abrupt halt six months ago, I can reveal.

It was hosted by Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix but ended with a nasty toboggan accident. And the production days in Austria lasted so long that Gino ended up with a fever.

Gino D'Acampo was caught up in an accident while filming a toboggan stunt

Gino D’Acampo was caught up in an accident while filming a toboggan stunt

Credit: ITV

Gino and Fred Siriex are to resume filming Emissions Impossible after the nasty accident

Gino and Fred Siriex are to resume filming Emissions Impossible after the nasty accident
ITV seems to have smoothed things over with the angry Italian chef and they are going back to the Alps next month.

A TV insider said: “It’s quite unusual for a show to be shelved quite so spectacularly, only to be brought back months later.

“Usually they end up getting written off completely. But ITV clearly felt like this was worth going the extra mile for. Emissions Impossible was all about being greener when travelling.

“Ironically, by the time they’ve finished filming, all the presenters, producers and crew will have flown from Britain into Europe — and back again — twice.”

The show went belly up in October after the accident and Gino’s illness, which led to him saying: “Everything was a shambles.”

The two-parter was also due to go around the Croatian islands. Plans for a second series were left hanging in the balance.

Thankfully there has been a thawing of relations and if the revived filming goes well, the sequel could still be on.

JIMMY’S KILLER COMEDY

JIMMY CARR is trying something new in his  Netflix comedy special by talking more openly about himself.

But the quick-fire comedian, who stars in one-man stand-up show Natural Born Killer on the streaming service, will go back to the one-liners after giving his audience longer jokes about his life.

He told Virgin Radio: “There have been four Netflix specials, and I think 12 overall. This one is a bit different to the last one – a bit more talking about myself, a bit more talking about being a father, giving advice to young men.

“My love language is always going to be one-liners, and incredibly edgy one-liners.”

This won’t be the last time Jimmy appears on the platform, and he added: “There will be another one.”

JOEL LETS RIP ABOUT WAXING

JOEL Dommett returns to our screens this weekend and wastes no time re-engaging – with a cheeky tale about the pleasure and pain of waxing himself.

The comedian and presenter has been away for a while following the birth of his first child.

Joel Dommett told a cheeky tale of when he tried to wax himself

Joel Dommett told a cheeky tale of when he tried to wax himself

Gino D’Acampo is making a return to ITV, and as expected, the announcement has already stirred up a storm. Known for his fiery personality, sharp humor, and a track record of both entertaining audiences and sparking controversy, the Italian chef has confirmed his comeback with a bold statement: “I’M BACK!” The news was paired with the official reveal of his latest project, promising the kind of drama, humor, and chaos that have long defined his television career. Fans are bracing themselves for his return, but critics are equally loud, questioning whether ITV is taking a risk by bringing him back to prime-time screens.

Yet not everyone is thrilled about the comeback. Critics of D’Acampo, and of ITV’s decision to bring him back, have been vocal about their concerns. Many argue that the timing feels premature, given that the allegations against him were only made public months ago. Others question whether ITV is prioritizing ratings over responsibility, suggesting that the network is gambling on viewers’ short memories. The decision has reignited larger conversations about accountability in the entertainment industry, with some observers noting that this kind of high-profile comeback can be seen as emblematic of television’s willingness to overlook controversy when a personality promises strong ratings.

The format of Spaghetti Wars itself appears tailor-made for D’Acampo’s persona. Unlike the polished cooking competitions that emphasize professionalism, this series is expected to thrive on drama, personality clashes, and humor. Early reports suggest that contestants will be organized into family “teams,” who not only cook but also tell stories about their cultural backgrounds and culinary traditions. With Gino positioned as the larger-than-life “Boss,” his role will likely involve more than just food critique; he is expected to stir the pot—literally and figuratively—by inserting himself into the family dynamics and challenging contestants to push their limits. The concept leans heavily into his reputation as unpredictable and theatrical, ensuring that even viewers who tune in out of curiosity will have plenty to react to.

This comeback also underscores ITV’s ongoing strategy of building shows around big personalities rather than just formats. D’Acampo, despite his controversies, has always been a magnet for publicity. His past series with Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix, Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip, consistently drew viewers not just for the travel and food, but for the humorous chemistry and unpredictability that Gino brought to the trio. With Spaghetti Wars, ITV appears to be doubling down on the idea that viewers will tune in for Gino himself, not just the cooking challenges. This makes the show’s success—and potential backlash—highly tied to public perception of the chef.

The reaction from within the entertainment industry has been just as divided as the fan response. Some insiders have suggested that the network’s move is bold and could pay off by reinvigorating its primetime lineup with a personality-driven show. Others, however, warn that the risks are high. If the show falters under the weight of criticism, or if new allegations surface during its run, ITV could find itself facing not just low ratings but reputational damage. The decision to hand such a prominent platform to D’Acampo is, in many ways, a litmus test for how much controversy audiences are willing to overlook for the sake of entertainment.

For D’Acampo himself, this marks an important opportunity to reframe his public image. In interviews leading up to the show’s announcement, he has emphasized his passion for food, family, and Italian heritage. By aligning himself with a family-themed cooking competition, he appears to be presenting himself in a softer, more wholesome light than in past projects. At the same time, the fiery personality that has always defined his television persona is expected to remain intact, ensuring that he doesn’t lose the qualities that first made him famous. The balance between redemption arc and chaotic entertainer will be critical in determining how this comeback is received.

Looking ahead to the show’s premiere later this year, all eyes will be on how audiences respond to the first episodes. Will viewers embrace Gino’s return as a long-awaited comeback from one of TV’s most flamboyant chefs, or will the controversies surrounding him overshadow the cooking battles? The answer will likely depend not just on the content of the show but also on how both ITV and D’Acampo navigate the conversations that will inevitably arise around it. In today’s media landscape, comebacks are never simple, and the line between entertainment and accountability has never been more scrutinized.

What is certain is that Spaghetti Wars will not pass unnoticed. Between its bold premise, its unpredictable star, and the cloud of controversy hanging over its host, the show is poised to become one of the most talked-about television launches of 2025. For fans, it’s a chance to celebrate the return of the chaos they’ve been missing. For critics, it’s an opportunity to question the priorities of television networks in an era where ratings often clash with reputational risks. For Gino D’Acampo, it is a defining moment: either a triumphant redemption or another chapter in a career marked by as much controversy as success.