A former Coronation Street star has publicly backed Gino D’Acampo after recent allegations of “inappropriate beaviour”. Vicky Entwistle, who is best known for playing the role of Janice Battersby on ITV’s cobbles, shared an image accusing ITV of following a “woke agenda”.

She shared a snap of the Italian cook to her X (formerly Twitter) account. The text accompanying it read: “I don’t know this man personally, therefore I have no reason to stick my neck out in his defence.

“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 comes as an ITV News investigation uncovered “dozens” of complaints from individuals accusing him of “unacceptable, distressing and “horrendous” behaviour. The TV chef has vehemently denied all allegations, adding they were “deeply upsetting”.

The broadcaster has reportedly interviewed “more than 40 people” as part of its probe. These individuals claim to have witnessed or experienced Gino’s alleged inappropriate and intimidating behaviour over a span exceeding 12 years.

Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards.Date: Sunday 12 May 2019.Venue: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London.Ho

Gino has been accused of inappropriate behaviour (Image: Getty)

A particular clip featuring D’Acampo has gained notoriety in which he drops an X-rated remark about presenter Fearne Cotton on live TV.

The incident occurred on the set of Celebrity Juice, presented by Keith Lemon, where Fearne’s face was humorously likened to a pizza adorned with olives as eyes, pineapple slices for a nose, and red pepper strips for a mouth.

This led Gino to utter a vile comment directed at Fearne. He quipped: “I have a theory and I’m sorry, you know how much I like you, right, but I think when you have big nostrils, actually you can suck like f***.”

As Fearne looked shocked, Gino continued to dig his hole deeper, adding: “It’s because you can breathe easier.” Fearne retorted: “Alright, you don’t need to elaborate!”

In response to the claims, Gino issued a statement to ITV News. He 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.”