Survey says: If you don’t like it, switch over
You can always rely on Gino D’Acampo to serve up some cheeky entertainment.
And when he took over as the host of established TV favourite Family Fortunes, he delivered in spades.
The show is back for a second series as two families go head-to-head in a bid to win cash. Here, the charismatic chef and TV host tells us about taking over the reins of one of the most popular quiz shows and why his family didn’t cut the mustard when it came to being contestants…
Are you excited to be back with a new series of Family Fortunes?
The feeling is fantastic. When we did the first series I wasn’t really sure how the public would take to me doing such a big show. But it went well and the second series was even better. I felt like I’d relaxed as I thought, ‘Ok, they’ve accepted me as the host of Family Fortunes, so now let’s give it everything I’ve got’.
Were you nervous the first time around then?
For the first time, I was slightly nervous – but not for myself. I was nervous because the show’s so big and I didn’t want to screw it up for the show.
What was the viewers’ reaction?
I didn’t see a lot of people out and about because I was on the island of Sardinia when it aired. And I’m the kind of guy who does a show, gives 100 per cent then moves on. I’m going to be honest with you, I don’t really care what people have got to say. If you didn’t like it? Change channel. I’m not forcing you to watch it.
You have celebrities on for Christmas specials but would you ever do a whole star series?
The only reason I accepted this show was because it wasn’t celebrities, it’s normal people. They wanted to do a celebrity version and I didn’t – maybe because I find celebrities very boring. I prefer normal punters. They’re much funnier. Also, I’d rather give a prize to normal people. So we only do the Christmas Special with celebrities and the money goes to charity.
What would happen if you and your family went up against Gordon Ramsay and his family?
Gordon would definitely win because my family has been on the show before. We went head-to-head with Michelle Keegan’s family and we were absolutely rubbish. And Gordon would prepare to win and I wouldn’t. Gordon’s 10 years older than me, so he has more experience. He’s wiser than I am.