Melanie Sykes has openly criticized her former Let’s Do Lunch co-host Gino D’Acampo, 

accusing the television industry of fostering a toxic culture that has enabled inappropriate behavior. 

The 55-year-old presenter, who left television in 2021, called for TV bosses to take responsibility for the industry’s issues, particularly regarding misogyny and misconduct.

Melanie Sykes Calls for Change in the Television Industry

During a discussion on her YouTube channel, Sykes reflected on her 24-year career in television, describing it as a difficult and often hostile environment. 

She expressed her frustration with the way the industry protects certain individuals despite allegations of misconduct.

“The industry creates monsters,” she stated. “I feel like I was in a war zone for 24 years, battling through an industry that never felt right to me.”

She urged networks to take action, adding, “If you’re spending all your time cleaning up people’s mess, just clean the house and start again.”

Her comments come amid allegations against D’Acampo, who has been accused of inappropriate and intimidating behavior over a 12-year period. One reported incident involved him kissing a footballer’s wife without consent during a 2012 charity event, allegedly justifying his actions by saying, “You know why I did that? Because I f**ing can.”*

Gino D’Acampo Faces Allegations of Misconduct

D’Acampo, 48, has been at the center of a growing controversy, with multiple allegations surfacing about his behavior. Several complaints have reportedly been made over the years, including concerns raised by staff at This Morning over a decade ago. However, many of these issues were allegedly ignored or downplayed by TV executives.

ITV has since responded to the controversy, stating, “Where a complaint is made to ITV or serious concerns are raised, we will look into it, and if we find that something inappropriate has happened, we will take action.”

Despite the accusations, D’Acampo has firmly denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “deeply upsetting” and insisting they are “simply not in my nature.”

Melanie Sykes’ Departure from Television

Sykes previously co-hosted Let’s Do Lunch with D’Acampo from 2011 to 2014. However, she left television for good in 2021 after an inappropriate remark from MasterChef host Gregg Wallace during her appearance on Celebrity MasterChef.

Wallace reportedly undermined her career by suggesting that participating in the cooking competition “would do a lot” for her professionally. Feeling disrespected, Sykes decided to leave the industry, stating, “I would no longer tap dance for corporations that couldn’t care less about my wellbeing.”

Wallace has since faced his own scandal, with over 13 women accusing him of sexually inappropriate behavior over a 17-year period. Following these allegations, he was dropped by the BBC.

TV Networks Under Pressure to Address Misconduct

The controversy surrounding D’Acampo has intensified pressure on ITV to address how it handles allegations of misconduct. Reports suggest that some complaints against the celebrity chef were ignored, with critics accusing ITV and production companies of protecting him to avoid financial losses.

Sykes did not hold back in her criticism of the networks, calling their response “appalling.”

“There is no protection. This isn’t just happening behind closed doors; it’s happening on set, on television,” she said.

She also criticized ITV’s handling of complaints, adding, “When channels say, ‘It’s not our problem because it’s with a production company,’ it’s just disgraceful.”

Gino D’Acampo Maintains His Innocence

Despite the growing allegations, D’Acampo has continued to deny any wrongdoing. He insists that the claims against him are false and has expressed frustration over how they have affected his reputation.

In response to the scandal, an ITV spokesperson reiterated, “Most complaints were not reported to ITV at the time. Where issues have been raised with ITV, action has been taken.”

However, with increasing scrutiny on how the television industry handles misconduct allegations, many are calling for greater accountability and systemic change.

The Need for Reform in the Entertainment Industry

Sykes’ comments reflect a broader issue within the entertainment industry, where accusations of inappropriate behavior are often overlooked in favor of protecting high-profile figures. She believes that change is long overdue and is urging TV executives to take responsibility.

“It’s time for the industry to clean house and start again,” she said.

Her outspokenness highlights the need for more transparent policies and stronger protections for those working in television, ensuring that misconduct is not tolerated and that those responsible are held accountable.

As allegations against D’Acampo and others continue to unfold, the industry may be forced to reckon with its longstanding issues and implement real change.

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