ITV comes under 'increasing pressure' to explain its response to allegations about Gino D'Acampo's 'inappropriate' behaviour - as actress Vicky Entwistle defends the Italian chef

ITV has reportedly come under 'pressure' to explain its response to allegations made about Gino D'Acampo's conduct after 'inappropriate' behaviour claims were made against the chef.

Gino, 48, has been rocked by 'over 40' allegations of sexually inappropriate and intimidating behaviour over a 12-year period - claims which he denies.

One woman has claimed that her 2018 complaints about Gino were not acted upon by ITV, while This Morning staff allegedly raised concerns about him a decade ago.

Now, it has been reported that ITV are under 'increasing pressure' to explain Gino's actions and why further action wasn't taken against him, according to The Sun.

In response, ITV told MailOnline that 'where a complaint is made to ITV or serious concerns raised, we will look into it, and if we find that something inappropriate has happened, we will take action'.

It comes after those complaining about of Gino's alleged behaviour accused ITV and other production companies of 'furiously protecting' the presenter for fear of losing financial investment.

Gino has 'firmly denied' the allegations made against him, saying they were 'simply not in my nature' and describing them as 'deeply upsetting'.

A previous statement by ITV said: 'All of the concerns and complaints raised by those who have spoken to ITN [the producer of ITV News] describe behaviour which is inappropriate and unacceptable.

'Most were not reported to ITV at the time. Where issues have been raised with ITV action has been taken.'

Amid the allegations, Coronation Street actress Vicky Entwistle took to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share a statement in support of Gino as she slammed ITV.

'I don't know this man personally, therefore have no reason to stick my neck out in his defence,' Vicky - best known as playing Janice Battersby on the soap - penned.

'BUT!!! ITV played that man for all he was worth... cheeky, naughty, foreign, hilarious!!! 

'It all fitted in 10 years ago... now with a new WOKE agenda they crucify him?!???'

It is not the first time Vicky has criticised ITV as she compared Coronation Street to a 'cult' last year and claimed 'scary and controlling bosses' left her husband begging her to quit.

Amid the claims against Gino, a woman has alleged he made 'vile' sexual comments about his ITV co-star Holly Willoughby and claimed her 2018 complaints were ignored by the network.

Gino, who regularly worked with Holly on This Morning and Celebrity Juice, is said to have told the woman that he was often asked which of Holly and her TV sidekick and close friend Fearne Cotton he would most like to sleep with.

According to The Sun, Gino told the woman: 'If I could put the face of one on the body of the other then maybe, but I'd probably choose Holly because I'd have more fun with her.'

The unidentified woman told the newspaper she was 'disgusted' by the comments, calling Gino 'crude and vile' as she claimed she warned ITV about him in 2018.

She claimed to have said in an email to ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall: 'He is certainly not a man reflecting integrity or honesty or family values.'

She alleged that ITV 'came back sharply, essentially telling me to go away'.

MailOnline contacted ITV and representatives for Holly and Gino for comment at the time.

This Morning staff also reportedly raised concerns about Gino decade ago, with multiple crew and production members alleged to have reported issues to bosses.

An insider reportedly told the publication: 'It was no secret that Gino was difficult to work with and many staff members dreaded being on set with him. 

'He would constantly joke about his manhood and make sexually explicit comments that would make people uncomfortable.

'He knew he was ''The Talent'' and would throw his weight around. A lot of people found him to be a bully, but felt they weren't taken seriously when they approached senior staff members.

'Gino seemed to get away with it because it was all part of his cheeky charm and appeal.' 

Gino has been axed by ITV after he was accused of 'sexually inappropriate' behaviour spanning 12 years.

While recent reports state that ITV have pulled his shows from their schedules, a source told MailOnline Gino has vowed to 'never work with' the broadcaster again. 

However, ITV is still under pressure to distance themselves further from the presenter as his TV shows currently remain available for viewing on streaming platform ITVX.

Dr Charlotte Proudman, the founder of Right to Equality, said: 'It is particularly concerning that ITV continues to platform D'Acampo's shows on ITVX – including those where complaints were reportedly made. 

'This sends a damaging message to victims and the wider industry: that commercial interests outweigh accountability of potential sexual predators.

'ITV must answer for how this was allowed to happen and why women were turned away and ignored, allowing sexual misconduct to continue with impunity.'

The Italian TV star, known for his cheeky on-screen persona, is at the centre of claims from dozens of people who describe his alleged conduct over the past 12 years as 'distressing,' 'unacceptable,' and even 'horrendous'.

An investigation by ITV News found 'dozens' of allegations of misconduct against the chef during filming, with his behaviour described as 'unacceptable' and 'distressing' by his accusers.

According to ITV News, at least one production company was aware of repeated complaints from staff members about Gino's behaviour - yet continued to work with him on further TV projects. 

It has since been claimed that complaints were made about Gino's behaviour on TV productions at least six times between 2018 and 2023.

According to ITV News, one woman, who's has not been identified, worked with the chef in 2021 and branded him 'very aggressive'.

She said: 'I'd describe it as bullying and abuse of power' claiming she was left terrified by him while filming in Italy. 

'He picked up each piece of kit he didn't want and chucked it on the ground in front of the crew, so that I had to go pick it up. One piece at a time. It was really degrading.'

The woman said she made a complaint about his behaviour to a senior member of Studio Ramsay, Gordon Ramsay's production company, who was in charge of filming. 

Gino has firmly denied all allegations, calling them 'deeply upsetting'.

In response to the allegations, Gino said: 'I have been told by ITN news that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over ten years ago'. I have never been made aware of these matters previously and the allegations are firmly denied. 

'I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. This is simply not in my nature. I do not recognise the version of events being put to me. 

'Not only have these allegations never been raised with me before, I have been repeatedly supported by executives at the highest level and was commissioned on prime-time programmes during the period in which it is now suggested I was acting inappropriately.'