If anyone knows what it’s like to see their career in turmoil, it’s Phillip Schofield.
And the former TV presenter is now putting the experience of his downfall to use, by supporting embattled chef Gino D’Acampo.
The Italian star, 48, who regularly appeared on ITV‘s This Morning when Schofield was a co-host, has been ‘cancelled’ following multiple allegations of sexually inappropriate and intimidating behaviour.
But The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the pair have remained close since their TV days together, and Schofield is helping the chef after numerous women came forward claiming he behaved badly towards them.
Schofield’s wife Stephanie Lowe, from whom he is separated but not divorced, is close to D’Acampo’s wife Jessica.
The four have stayed in touch since Schofield stood down from This Morning in May 2023, and he and Ms Lowe were guests at Mrs D’Acampo’s 50th birthday celebrations at members’ club Soho House last month.
A friend of the two men said: ‘Phil and Gino always got on well. He was part of the This Morning family for a long time so Phil has kept in contact with him, and he is a very good listener.
‘Phil knows what it’s like to go through losing his TV career, so he’s been a good support. As well as working together, their wives are close.
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Former TV presenter Phillip Schofield is now putting the experience of his downfall to use, by supporting embattled chef Gino D’Acampo
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The Italian star (centre), 48, who regularly appeared on ITV’s This Morning (pictured) when Schofield was a co-host, has been ‘cancelled’ following multiple allegations of sexually inappropriate and intimidating behaviour
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But The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the pair have remained close since their TV days together (pictured), and Schofield is helping the chef after numerous women came forward claiming he behaved badly towards them
‘Mental health is something Phil cares about deeply. He wants to help where he can.’
The source also pointed out that both believe they were treated unfairly by ITV.
Schofield, 62, maintains he was ousted for having an affair with a man, and that if he had been a straight man having a romance with a younger woman he would have been treated differently.
Meanwhile, D’Acampo says the broadcaster encouraged him to behave in a ‘laddy’ and ‘flirty way’ before they axed him earlier this month.
‘You can just imagine what they would have to say about ITV during their chats,’ their friend said. D’Acampo’s inappropriate behaviour was first revealed by this newspaper in March 2023.
Earlier this month, an ITV News investigation uncovered multiple allegations against him. He now faces claims from dozens of people who have described his conduct over the past 12 years as ‘distressing’, ‘unacceptable’ and even ‘horrendous’.
According to the report, one production company was aware of repeated complaints from staff about Gino’s behaviour, yet continued to work with him on further projects.
One woman given the pseudonym Hannah claims that, during a magazine shoot in 2011, Gino humiliated her in front of the crew by saying he would ‘like to turn me over and f*** me up the a*** against the kitchen counter’.
D’Acampo has denied all the allegations, calling them ‘deeply upsetting’. He has instructed a crisis communications firm and vowed to tell his side of the story.
