Gino D’Acampo says he’s banned one British staple from his family’s Christmas dinner throwing tradition out the window.

The Italian chef, 47, revealed no turkey will be found on his table this year and claims to have made the decision in a bid to stop the meal being a total flop.

Gino, who shares sons Luciano, 21, Rocco, 18, and nine-year-old daughter Mia with wife Jessica told Best Magazine: ‘Nobody likes [turkey]. Christmas is the best day of the year and you do the s***test meal of the year.’

He went on to reveal how the family instead opt for fresh fish and lobster on the big day telling the publication: ‘In our house, we call it fishmas’.

Sharing further insight into the D’Acampo clans cooking plans he said: ‘Everyone is in charge of one dish that makes up the whole Christmas meal – so no pressure,’

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Change of plan: Gino D’Acampo, 47, says he’s banned one British staple from his family’s Christmas dinner throwing tradition out the window

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Family: The Italian chef, who shares sons Luciano, 21, Rocco, 18, and nine-year-old daughter Mia with wife Jessica, revealed no turkey will be found on his table this year and claims to have made the decision in a bid to stop the meal being a total flop

It has been estimated that between nine and ten million turkeys are purchased each Christmas in the UK with the tradition dating right back to King Henry VIII’s reign.

It comes after Gino was reportedly in a horror crash with ‘blood everywhere’ as he filmed for a new ITV show with Fred Sirieix last month.

He had been in Vienna with the French maître d’hôtel, 51, for the new travel show titled Emission Impossible, as they visit some of Europe’s most stunning locations.

Production has now come to a grinding halt, with Gino describing it as ‘the worst shoot of my life,’ before slamming ITV for not checking up on him, according to The Sun.

The incident which took place on October 18, saw him attempt to go down a ‘200ft slide on a toboggan, clutching a cocktail glass.’

Gino told the publication: ‘After 22 years of working with them, I am in an accident and I get ill, and yet I don’t get a phone call; I smell a fish. I think ITV have no idea what happened.’

An insider added: ‘He was still filming a piece to camera when a mother and her two kids came hurtling down at 30mph and crashed.

‘There was blood everywhere and one of the boys had blood pouring from his mouth.’

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Cooking up a storm: He said: ‘Nobody likes [turkey]. Christmas is the best day of the year and you do the s***test meal of the year.’

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Different: He went on to reveal how the family instead opt for fresh fish and lobster on the big day saying: ‘In our house, we call it fishmas’ (pictured with wife Jessica)

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Classic: It has been estimated that between nine and ten million turkeys are purchased each Christmas in the UK with the tradition dating right back to King Henry VIII’s reign

An ambulance was called for the children while Gino was treated onsite with the broadcaster offering counselling and support to those involved.

Both presenters had flagged safety concerns ahead of filming, with the presenter left ‘livid’ after also getting ill the next day after working ’14-hour days in freezing conditions.’

MailOnline has contacted representatives of Gino and ITV for comment.

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Awful: It comes after Gino was reportedly in a horror crash with ‘blood everywhere’ as he filmed for a new ITV show with Fred Sirieix last month

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On screen: The chef (centre) has been in Vienna with the French maître d’hôtel (left) for the new travel show titled Emission Impossible, as they visit some of Europe’s most stunning locations (pictured with Gordon Ramsay, R)

A representatives from ITV told MailOnline: ‘Contrary to reports the shoot for Emission Impossible, which was produced for ITV by an independent production company, was postponed owing to illness.

‘We have robust and comprehensive policies which we implement contractually with our suppliers and partners.

‘The independent production companies who make shows for us have primary responsibility for the duty of care of everyone they work with, both on and off screen.

‘This includes establishing appropriate health and safety arrangements. We are speaking with Betty TV, the production company who make Emission Impossible to clarify their position.’

Does he have a point? Turkey’s defenders admit it’s tricky—overcook it, and it’s sawdust; undercook it, and it’s a health hazard. Hours in the oven leave cooks frazzled, and leftovers linger like uninvited guests. Gino’s lasagne pitch—preppable ahead, flavorful, and fuss-free—has practical appeal. Seafood’s a curveball, but in Italy, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a Christmas Eve staple, so he’s not bluffing. Tiramisu over Christmas pud? Bold, but its coffee kick might just beat the heaviness of brandy-soaked fruit. “He’s right—turkey’s a chore,” one X user conceded, while another snapped, “Lasagne’s for weekdays, not Christmas!” Gino’s betting on taste over tradition, and some are biting.

His family’s buy-in bolsters his case. Jessica, half-English and half-Italian, backs the shift—she’s the one who hooked him with her cooking back in their Marbella days, after all. Their kids, raised on this hybrid heritage, don’t bat an eye at a turkey-less table. “They’ve never known different,” Gino said, a hint of pride in his voice. It’s a far cry from his own childhood Christmases in Naples, where seafood ruled and turkey was a foreign oddity. “We’d laugh at the idea,” he mused, recalling his nonna’s kitchen. That authenticity drives him—he’s not just rejecting turkey; he’s reclaiming his roots in a land that’s embraced him.

Critics cry foul, though. “He’s made millions off British TV—show some respect,” one X post jabbed, tying his £2M annual earnings to a duty to conform. Others see it as snobbery—“He thinks he’s too good for our food.” Gino’s unbothered, doubling down on Family Christmas: “Try my way—you’ll never go back.” It’s a flex—his 2021 vow renewal with Jessica and 2024 £6M profit surge show he’s winning at life, so why not Christmas? But his Pasta Bar’s £5M collapse in 2022—leaving staff unpaid—lingers in the air. “Pay your debts before you ditch our turkey,” one detractor sniped, blending old grudges with new gripes.

Is this a revolution or a stunt? Gino’s no stranger to headlines—swearing, scandals, chaos—and this fits the mold. ITV loves it; his special’s a ratings grab, and he’s delivering. “He’s a genius at staying relevant,” an X fan noted, while a skeptic sneered, “It’s all for attention.” Either way, he’s sparked a debate that’s simmering into December. Turkey sales won’t tank—Britain’s too wedded to the bird—but Gino’s planted a seed. Lasagne on Christmas Day? A few might just try it.

Love him or loathe him, Gino’s not backing down. “Tradition’s fine, but flavor wins,” he told the Mail, a mantra for a chef who’s never played it safe. As families carve their turkeys—or maybe not—this Christmas, his ban’s a talking point that’ll outlast the leftovers. Chaos is his currency, and with this, he’s cashed in big. Turkey’s out, Gino’s in—and the table’s never been hotter.