Gino D’Acampo, the flamboyant Italian chef who turned Family Fortunes into a Sunday night must-watch, has been officially replaced—his ITV show yanked off air amid a firestorm of misconduct allegations. The network’s swift swap, announced just hours ago on March 13, sees Stephen Mulhern’s Celebrity Catchphrase sliding into Gino’s coveted slot, a move that’s got X buzzing and fans reeling. After years of saucy banter and pasta-fueled charm, is this the final nail in Gino’s TV coffin—or a hasty overreaction by a panicked broadcaster? Let’s unpack the drama that’s spicier than a Neapolitan pizza.

The Fall: From King of the Kitchen to Cancelled

Gino’s descent kicked off in February when ITV News dropped a bombshell: over 40 colleagues—mostly women—accused him of “sexually inappropriate” and “intimidating” behavior spanning 12 years. From a 2011 magazine shoot where he allegedly flashed a staffer to threats over ice cream on Gino’s Italian Express, the claims painted a picture far removed from his “cheeky chappy” persona. Gino hit back, denying it all— “I’ve never been made aware of these matters previously,” he told ITV News, calling the accusations “deeply upsetting.” But ITV wasn’t buying it. By March 13, Family Fortunes was shelved, and pre-filmed 2023 episodes were scrapped, with the network stating they’ve “no plans” to work with him again. Enter Stephen Mulhern, stage left.

The Replacement: Mulhern Steps Up

ITV didn’t waste time. On March 13, Express.co.uk broke the news: Celebrity Catchphrase, hosted by the ever-reliable Stephen Mulhern, will take over Family Fortunes’ Sunday night slot starting this spring. ITV commissioner Gemma John-Lewis gushed to TV Zone, “We’re delighted to announce a further series of the much-loved family favourite.” Mulhern, a veteran of Dancing on Ice and Britain’s Got More Talent, brings a squeaky-clean vibe—a stark contrast to Gino’s edgier antics. Posts on X lit up: “Stephen’s a safe pair of hands—ITV’s done with drama,” one user quipped. But is this swap a savvy pivot or a bland downgrade? The jury’s still out.

Why Gino Got the Chop: A Scandal Too Far

So, why pull the plug so decisively? It’s a perfect storm of allegations and optics. The ITV News probe cited “unacceptable” and “distressing” conduct—think sexualized remarks on Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip and aggressive outbursts elsewhere. Production companies like Objective Media Group allegedly knew of concerns since 2018, yet Gino kept his crown. That changed in 2025, with Britain’s media under a post-#MeToo microscope and Labour’s Keir Starmer pushing workplace accountability. After Gregg Wallace’s January exit from MasterChef over similar claims, ITV couldn’t afford another black eye. “They’ve erased Gino like he’s a bad recipe,” an X post snarked. Advertisers bailed, viewers threatened boycotts, and the network opted for a clean slate.

Gino’s Last Stand: Denial and Defiance

Gino didn’t go down without a fight. His February 6 statement was a mix of shock and defiance: “I’ve been supported by execs at the highest level—now this?” His legal team argued some claims—like the 2011 flashing—were “fabricated,” only surfacing via media in 2025. A February 9 Instagram clip of him hugging fans at Asda screamed “I’m still here!”—but the silence since suggests he’s reeling. Did he misjudge the shifting tide, thinking his charm could outlast the accusations? X users speculate: “He didn’t see it coming—too busy playing the lovable rogue,” one wrote. If he knew trouble was brewing, his nonchalance didn’t show it.

Mulhern’s Moment: A New Dawn or a Dull One?

Stephen Mulhern’s Celebrity Catchphrase isn’t new—it’s been a Saturday staple since 2018—but its Sunday promotion marks a bold shift. The show’s simple “say what you see” format and Mulhern’s infectious energy make it a safe bet for ITV. “Stephen’s playful humor is a firm favorite,” John-Lewis told TV Zone. The tenth series kicks off March 23, with celebs battling for charity cash—a £50,000 jackpot up for grabs. X reactions are mixed: “Catchphrase is fun, but it’s no Family Fortunes,” one fan moaned, while another cheered, “Finally, a host who won’t flash the crew!” Mulhern’s clean record is the point—ITV’s betting on stability over scandal.

The Culture Clash: Cancelled or Consequence?

Here’s where it gets juicy: is Gino’s erasure fair? His defenders—like Katie Hopkins, who raged last month—call it “woke nonsense,” arguing his Italian flair got misread. “He’s a flirt, not a fiend!” she blasted. Critics counter that flashing staff and bullying runners isn’t banter—it’s abuse. X is split: “ITV’s caved to the snowflakes,” one side fumes; “About time—Gino’s had a free pass too long,” the other retorts. With dozens of accusers and a documented pattern, the “cancel culture” cries feel flimsy—yet the speed of ITV’s axe, sans public investigation, fuels the debate. Was this justice served hot, or a network jumping the gun?

Gino’s Next Chapter: Burnt or Bouncing Back?

Where does Gino go from here? At 48, he’s not done—restaurants, cookbooks, and a pizza oven empire still churn cash. But TV? ITV’s out, and Gordon, Gino and Fred looks dead—Gordon Ramsay’s reportedly “checked in” but isn’t rushing to revive it. Could Gino pivot to YouTube or a redemption arc? “He’ll be back—Britain loves a comeback,” an X optimist predicts. Others aren’t so sure: “Too toxic now—stick to pasta,” a detractor snipes. His silence since Asda suggests he’s plotting, but the stench of cancellation could linger.

ITV’s Playbook: Risk-Averse and Ready

This isn’t just Gino’s story—it’s ITV’s. Post-Wallace, post-D’Acampo, the network’s embracing a new normal: safe, family-friendly fare over volatile stars. Catchphrase over Family Fortunes screams caution—a shift from charisma to consistency. “ITV’s proving common sense is out the window,” an X user griped, echoing Express.co.uk’s quip. But with ratings and reputation on the line, it’s a calculated gamble. Mulhern’s the anti-Gino: reliable, uncontroversial, and ready to roll.

Your Call: End of an Era or Overblown Drama?

So, Gino’s out, Mulhern’s in—why’d ITV pull the trigger? Allegations, pressure, and a 2025 reckoning. Is this the end of Gino’s TV reign, or an overzealous purge of a flawed fan favorite? X is your battleground—hit #GinoReplaced and sound off. Was ITV right to swap chaos for Catchphrase, or did they ditch a legend too soon? The airwaves are quiet, but the debate’s just heating up. What’s your verdict—burnt out or unfairly bounced?