FRED Sirieix learnt Gino D’Acampo had quit their ITV show just DAYS before the Italian chef’s shock announcement.
On Sunday night Gino, 46, stunned fans when he admitted it was impossible to continue after the third series of Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip following a row over contracts.
Gino D’Acampo quit Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip after five years
Fred (left) pictured with Gino and Gordon (right)
In a lengthy statement, he insisted his friendships with Gordon Ramsay, 56, and Fred Sirieix, 51, meant more to him than the ITV show, which saw the food experts visiting various countries to explore the local cuisine.
According to the Mail, his decision “came as a shock” to First Dates star Fred because they had been chatting about work “just days” before his shock announcement.
Insiders also told the publication that he could “change his mind” and “make a U-turn” about his decision to quit.
Sources told the publication: “Everybody connected with the show was shocked by Gino’s post.
“As far as bosses were concerned, talks were ongoing and a settlement was in reach.
“Contract negotiations are always difficult because of the trio’s schedules so the filming window where they can actually get the three of them together is pretty tight.
“But clearly Gino has lost patience and pulled out.”
“Bosses hope to convince Gino to stay on with Gordon and Fred, because they genuinely have fun together and make great telly,” they added.
Announcing the news on Instagram, Gino told his followers: “Last week I decided not to film any more Gordon, Gino and Fred Road trips. The reason is very simple – nothing to do with Gordon or Fred, the friendship is very strong.
“It’s just because we can’t get the dates together and sometimes when we do get the dates together sometimes they get changed and it causes a lot of problems for me because I have other stuff that I have to do.
“Personal problems as well because when I have to change things with my family it is very complicated and also because contracts.
“Because contracts start to become very complicated and very stressful, I personally value the friendship with Gordon and Fred so much that I would rather the friendship than arguments with the contract.”
The This Morning regular continued: “So I have decided not to do it anymore because I want to be friends with the boys for many, many years ahead.”
Gino’s decision has thrown the entire show into jeopardy amid fears it could face the axe.
A source told The Celeb Report: “The show is really hanging in the balance as this has left everything up in the air. It’s now down to ITV to work out if it can continue with just Gordon and Fred, or if it’s better to scrap the whole show.”
ITV has declined to comment further.
Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip hit our screens in 2018 as the trio travelled to Italy and France.
Two years later headed to America and in 2021 they were in Greece.
The ITV show premiered in 2018
