ITV has confirmed that it will not be airing the most recently filmed season of Family Fortunes, marking a significant blow to Gino D’Acampo’s television career.
The decision follows multiple allegations of misconduct against the celebrity chef, which he has vehemently denied.
However, with ITV distancing itself from D’Acampo, speculation is mounting over
who could take over as host— and The Masked Singer presenter Joel Dommett has expressed keen interest in the role.
Gino D’Acampo’s Future at ITV in Jeopardy
D’Acampo, who has hosted Family Fortunes since 2020, was set to return for another season of the beloved game show.
However, amid the controversy surrounding him, ITV has opted not to air the latest series, all but signaling the end of his tenure.
The third series of Family Fortunes under his leadership had already been scrapped due to multiple complaints, further diminishing any likelihood of his return to the show.
Despite maintaining his innocence, the allegations against D’Acampo have put his career in jeopardy, with ITV taking decisive action in response to the controversy. The network has not yet revealed what will happen to Family Fortunes moving forward, but discussions about potential replacements have already begun.
Joel Dommett Sets His Sights on Hosting Family Fortunes
With D’Acampo seemingly out of the picture, Joel Dommett has expressed his desire to step into the role. The popular TV personality, best known for hosting The Masked Singer, recently revealed on the Always Be Comedy podcast that he has long wanted to present Family Fortunes.
“Now Gino D’Acampo is gone, maybe I’ve got the chance to slide in. I’ve been waiting for that,” Dommett said, making his ambitions clear.
He went on to praise the format of the show, describing it as “the best show on telly”. Dommett emphasized that part of its appeal lies in the unpredictability of contestants’ answers, explaining that a perfect game show format is one where both right and wrong answers are entertaining.
A New Direction for Family Fortunes?
Dommett also hinted at shaking things up should he take over hosting duties. While Family Fortunes has remained a staple of British television, he believes it could benefit from incorporating elements from its American counterpart, Family Feud.
He particularly admires how the U.S. version leans into humor, leading contestants toward amusing or unexpected answers. Dommett shared an example, saying, “When they say ‘name a race,’ they want you to say ‘the 100 meters’ or ‘a heptathlon,’ but someone says ‘Chinese people’ and everyone laughs. That’s what you need in it!”
His comments suggest that, if given the opportunity, he would inject more comedic moments into the show, making it a livelier and more unpredictable experience for viewers.
ITV’s Future Plans for the Show Remain Unclear
Despite Dommett’s enthusiasm, ITV has yet to announce any official plans for Family Fortunes. It remains uncertain whether the show will continue in its current format or undergo significant changes, including a new host.
The decision to shelve D’Acampo’s latest season indicates that ITV is reevaluating its approach. With his departure, the network may be considering a fresh start for the series, possibly with a new presenter to reinvigorate the franchise.
Dommett Faces Uncertainty Over Other Projects
While Dommett is eager to take on Family Fortunes, his own career has encountered some hurdles. His ITV game show In With A Shout has been shelved after two seasons, with no confirmation of whether it will return. Additionally, his BBC project, Survivor, has faced an uncertain future after airing in 2023, with no official announcement about a second season.
These developments make his interest in Family Fortunes even more significant, as securing the role would provide him with a high-profile hosting gig amid the uncertainty surrounding his other shows.
A Turning Point for Family Fortunes
The decision to drop Gino D’Acampo’s latest series of Family Fortunes marks a pivotal moment for the long-running game show. With the network distancing itself from the controversy surrounding the Italian chef, the focus now shifts to the show’s future and who will take the reins as host.
Joel Dommett’s open ambition to step into the role adds an interesting layer to the unfolding situation. While ITV has yet to confirm its next move, Dommett’s enthusiasm and established rapport with audiences make him a strong contender.
For now, fans of Family Fortunes will have to wait for an official announcement regarding its future, but one thing is certain—big changes are on the horizon for the beloved quiz show.
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