In a dramatic moment that has resurfaced and taken the internet by storm, a 2013 episode of This Morning captured former host Phillip Schofield, then 62, fiercely reprimanding celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo, 48, for crossing a line with a crude on-air comment. The incident, which unfolded during a cooking segment alongside co-host Holly Willoughby, 43, has been thrust back into the spotlight amid recent allegations of inappropriate behavior against D’Acampo spanning over a decade. The clip, showing Schofield’s unfiltered reaction to D’Acampo’s lewd quip about “tense meat” and “making love to your wife,” has sparked heated discussions online, with fans revisiting the tension between the two TV personalities. Here’s the full story behind this explosive throwback moment, its context in light of D’Acampo’s current controversies, and why it’s got everyone talking again in 2025.
The Infamous Cooking Segment
The incident occurred during a lighthearted cooking segment on This Morning, a popular ITV daytime show where D’Acampo frequently appeared as a guest chef. On that day in 2013, D’Acampo was preparing a dish with Schofield and Willoughby, a trio known for their playful banter and occasional risqué humor. The segment started innocently enough, with Schofield stirring a sauce and commenting, “We do not want tense meat,” a culinary tip D’Acampo echoed by saying, “We don’t want that because tense meat, it becomes tough meat, right?” Schofield, addressing the camera with his characteristic charm, added, “Tense meat is a friend to no one,” prompting a chuckle from the studio audience.
But the tone shifted abruptly when D’Acampo, standing next to Willoughby, took the innuendo a step further. With a cheeky grin, he quipped, “No seriously, tense meat, it comes a tough meat. That’s why you should never annoy your wife before you make love. You want her to be nice and soft.” The comment, laden with sexual undertones, caught everyone off guard. Willoughby raised an eyebrow but stayed silent, focusing on her dish, while Schofield’s demeanor changed instantly. Turning to D’Acampo with a stern expression, he snapped, “Now you’ve gone too far. That’s too far.” As D’Acampo attempted to defend his innocence, Schofield doubled down, saying, “That’s a step too far,” his voice firm and unwavering.
A Clash of Personalities
The exchange highlighted a clash between Schofield’s professionalism and D’Acampo’s provocative on-screen persona. Schofield, a seasoned presenter known for his polished demeanor, often balanced humor with decorum on This Morning. D’Acampo, on the other hand, had built a reputation for his cheeky, flirtatious style, frequently pushing boundaries with innuendos that sometimes landed him in hot water. While the trio—Schofield, Willoughby, and D’Acampo—often shared lighthearted moments, this particular quip crossed a line for Schofield, who appeared genuinely offended by the remark’s explicit nature on a family-friendly morning show.
The tension wasn’t entirely new. Historical interactions between Schofield and D’Acampo, as discussed on platforms like Digital Spy forums in 2013, suggest underlying friction. Some speculated that Schofield may have been harboring resentment over personal slights, such as not being invited to D’Acampo’s New Year’s Eve party, though this was never confirmed. Others noted that Schofield’s reaction might have been amplified by his role as a host, feeling responsible for maintaining the show’s tone. Willoughby’s silence during the exchange spoke volumes, her subtle discomfort mirroring the audience’s mixed reactions at the time.
Why It’s Resurfaced Now
The clip’s resurgence in 2025 is tied to recent allegations against D’Acampo, which have cast a shadow over his career. In February 2025, ITV News reported that dozens of individuals, spanning over 12 years, accused D’Acampo of sexually inappropriate and intimidating behavior during his time on various ITV programs, including This Morning, Family Fortunes, and Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South. The allegations, described as “unacceptable,” “distressing,” and “horrendous,” prompted ITV to pull D’Acampo’s shows from their schedules, including a planned broadcast of Family Fortunes and episodes of his Italian travel series. D’Acampo has firmly denied the claims, stating, “I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. This is simply not in my nature.”
The resurfaced 2013 clip has added fuel to the fire, with many viewing D’Acampo’s past behavior through a new lens. Social media users on X have debated whether his on-air persona, once seen as cheeky and harmless, may have masked more problematic tendencies. One user wrote, “Seeing this clip again after the allegations hits different—Gino’s ‘jokes’ don’t feel so funny now.” Another commented, “Phillip called it back then. Maybe he saw something we didn’t.” The clip has reignited discussions about workplace dynamics in television, especially in light of Schofield’s own exit from ITV in 2023 after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger colleague.
Schofield’s Perspective and Public Reaction
Schofield’s reaction in the clip has been largely praised as a stand for professionalism, though some argue he may have overreacted. At the time, his sharp rebuke was seen as a necessary boundary-setting moment on live television, where inappropriate comments could alienate viewers. In the context of 2025, however, Schofield’s words take on a new weight. Having faced his own public scandal, Schofield has reportedly been a source of support for D’Acampo amid the allegations, according to a February 2025 report by the Express. The two maintained a close relationship after years of working together, with Schofield attending D’Acampo’s wife Jessica’s 50th birthday party in early 2025. An insider noted, “Phil knows what it’s like to go through losing his TV career, so he’s been a good support.”
Public reaction to the clip has been mixed but intense. On X, the hashtag #SchofieldVsGino trended briefly in February 2025, with fans divided. Some lauded Schofield’s firm stance, with one user posting, “Phillip was right to call Gino out—live TV isn’t the place for that kind of talk.” Others felt D’Acampo’s comment was meant as a joke, with a user writing, “It’s just Gino being Gino. People are too sensitive now.” The debate reflects broader cultural shifts since 2013, with heightened sensitivity to workplace behavior and inappropriate remarks in media.
D’Acampo’s Controversial Persona
D’Acampo’s career has long been marked by his bold, often flirtatious demeanor, which ITV reportedly encouraged as part of his appeal. Shows like Gino’s Italian Express and Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip leaned into his cheeky personality, making him a fan favorite among some viewers. However, the allegations suggest that this persona may have crossed into harmful territory off-camera. One accuser, identified as Hannah by ITV News, claimed D’Acampo made vulgar comments to her in 2011, an allegation he denies. The chef’s legal team has called some claims “a fabricated work of fiction,” but the damage to his reputation has been significant, with ITV distancing itself from him entirely by early 2025.
The 2013 clip, while not directly related to the allegations, has become a focal point for those reevaluating D’Acampo’s behavior. His on-air quip about “annoying your wife” before intimacy, though intended as humor, now strikes many as tone-deaf, especially given the serious nature of the accusations against him. It also raises questions about accountability in television, with some wondering why D’Acampo was allowed to continue working despite complaints over the years.
A Moment That Echoes Through Time
The resurfaced clip is more than a nostalgic TV moment—it’s a lens through which to examine evolving standards in media and personal accountability. Schofield’s reprimand of D’Acampo in 2013 was a rare instance of live TV confrontation, one that highlighted the delicate balance of humor and propriety on a daytime show. In 2025, it serves as a reminder of how past actions can be reinterpreted in light of new information, especially as D’Acampo faces scrutiny for his alleged conduct.
For Schofield, the clip is a bittersweet echo of his time on This Morning, a period marked by both professional success and personal challenges. His firm stance against D’Acampo’s quip has been vindicated by some fans, who see it as an early sign of the chef’s boundary-pushing tendencies. Yet, Schofield’s own journey—marked by his 2023 exit and subsequent return to television with Cast Away in 2024—adds complexity to his role in the narrative. Both men have faced public reckonings, and their shared history now includes this moment of tension that continues to resonate.
Why It’s Still Relevant
This throwback moment has captured attention not just for its drama but for what it represents in today’s context. As discussions about workplace culture, consent, and media responsibility grow louder, the clip serves as a case study in how on-air behavior can reflect broader issues. It also underscores the power of social media to keep past moments alive, allowing new generations to weigh in on events from over a decade ago. The fiery clash between Schofield and D’Acampo, once a fleeting live TV moment, has become a viral sensation in 2025, sparking debates about accountability, humor, and the evolving landscape of television.
This shocking exchange, with its mix of outrage, humor, and hindsight, has left fans stunned and reignited conversations about what’s acceptable on air. As the clip continues to circulate, it’s clear why this moment from This Morning’s past is trending again, offering a window into the complexities of TV stardom and personal conduct.
