Strictly bosses ‘are set to sign chef Gino D’Acampo for 20th anniversary series’

Strictly Come Dancing bosses are said to be looking to sign Gino D’Acampo for the 20th anniversary series.

The Italian celebrity chef, 45, is believed to be a top pick for this year’s series after previously turning down a place on the BBC show because he was too busy.

Gino is no stranger to reality TV having becoming a fan favourite and winning I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! back in 2009.

Line-up: Strictly Come Dancing bosses are said to be looking to sign Gino D’Acampo (pictured in 2017) for the 20th anniversary series

A TV insider told The Sun that Gino is being kept in mind for the 20th anniversary series, which will air later this year, due to his ‘universal appeal’.

They added: ‘Every year the team behind the show want to get the perfect balance of stars, whether it’s for their sex appeal, humour, or if they are a particular draw for older or younger viewers.

‘But they view Gino as someone who has universal appeal, who is up for a laugh and more than capable of keeping audiences entertained.’

MailOnline has contacted Gino’s representatives and the BBC for comment.

Cast: Gino is no stranger to reality TV having becoming a fan favourite and winning I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! back in 2009

Cast: Gino is no stranger to reality TV having becoming a fan favourite and winning I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! back in 2009

It comes after the TV favourite had his last appearance on This Morning in March before he temporarily returned to his native Italy.

Gino reassured shocked hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that his absence would be temporary, with hopes to return in ‘probably autumn or winter’.

He told the duo: ‘I was just walking around because I am a little bit sad today because I am going to go to Italy very soon, so this is my last This Morning, until probably autumn or winter.’ 

Phil joked: ‘Thank god for that!’

TV favourite: It comes after Gino had his last appearance on This Morning in March before he temporarily returned to his native Italy

TV favourite: It comes after Gino had his last appearance on This Morning in March before he temporarily returned to his native Italy

Gino continued: ‘Unless you two are going to come to the island of Sardinia and do something live there.’ 

He then addressed his loyal ITV viewers at home: ‘Where is my camera, where is my audience, where is my fans? Do not panic, because I have so many beautiful things for you.’

While Gino’s primary role on This Morning is to chef up mouth-watering dishes, he took the reins earlier this month for a question and answer segment on the show. 

He left viewers in hysterics after his Ask Gino session was laced with innuendos.

He'll be back! Gino reassured shocked hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that his absence would be temporary, with hopes to return in 'probably autumn or winter'

He’ll be back! Gino reassured shocked hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that his absence would be temporary, with hopes to return in ‘probably autumn or winter’

The celebrity chef provided his tongue in cheek words of wisdom to a woman seeking food-based relationship advice.

Naomi, of Essex, explained how fish took her fancy, while her partner of two-months preferred sausages – namely chipolatas, which she ‘doesn’t know what to do with.’

The frustrated caller said: ‘I don’t want a small sausage!’, to which Gino replied: ‘You want a sausage that you can handle.’   

The remarks bounced back and forth, with Naomi agreeing with Gino: ‘Yeah, meaty. I don’t see the benefits of a tiny little thing.’   

Humorous: While Gino's primary role on This Morning is to chef up mouth-watering dishes, he took the reins earlier this month for a question and answer segment on the show

Humorous: While Gino’s primary role on This Morning is to chef up mouth-watering dishes, he took the reins earlier this month for a question and answer segment on the show 

It was then when Holly quipped: ‘I quite like a chipolata!’ 

Gino ensured he made full use of his Q&A slot and offered the advice: ‘It’s what you do with the chipolata. I’m always going to go for a big sausage because you keep the moisture.’

An amused Phillip jested: ‘If you’re not happy with the sausage that you’re getting, then go out and get a bigger one.’

While the TV presenters stifled giggles, Gino concluded: ‘Take control of your sausages from now on!’

Gino has been appearing on the ITV show since 2009, with his additional credits including Let’s Do Lunch, There’s No Taste Like Home and Gino’s Italian Escape.

Star: Gino has been appearing on the ITV show since 2009, with his additional credits including Let's Do Lunch, There's No Taste Like Home and Gino's Italian Escape

Star: Gino has been appearing on the ITV show since 2009, with his additional credits including Let’s Do Lunch, There’s No Taste Like Home and Gino’s Italian Escape 

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