Gino D’Acampo Net Worth: He was so poor he robbed Paul Young and bought a huge £1.25million mansion and fancy cars
Celebrity chef Gina D’Acampo is known for her cheeky antics.
But even though the star has made a big name and fortune for herself, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
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The 46-year-old may still have a wild streak in his demeanor, but that’s nothing compared to the misadventures of his youth.
Gino was born in Naples and moved to London when he was 19 to work in restaurants.
He started out as a waiter but was quickly tricked into committing a life-changing crime.
Gino stole £4,000 worth of guitars and a valuable platinum disc from singer Paul Young in 1998.
He was caught after his DNA was discovered on a cigarette butt outside the singer’s bedroom door.
D’Acampo, then using his original surname Gennaro, was sentenced to two years in prison, of which he served ten months.
Since his release from prison and the turning point in his life, Gino has revealed that he was unwell at the time and even apologized to Paul over the phone in 2009.
He previously told What’s on TV, “It was a horrible experience, but in life I’ve learned to make something good out of everything.”
“I thought, ‘This isn’t going to bring me down, this is going to make me a better man. So I came out of prison as a man with a plan and I was determined to start a business importing Italian ingredients.’
“People said, ‘You made a mistake – we all do that, show me what you’re capable of and move on.’ I started the business and then TV came along and I was offered guest spots on Great Food Live, Saturday Cooks, This Morning… you name it.”
The celebrity chef secured his own spot on Great Food Live, followed by stints on Channel 5’s The Terry & Gabby Show.
Gino then landed a recurring role on Sky One’s Taste and won I’m A Celeb in 2009.
His roles on shows like ITV Family Fortunes, Road Trip and even his regular appearances on the This Morning kitchen have garnered him countless fans.
The chef lives in a Grade II listed seven bedroom townhouse in Hertfordshire with his wife Jessica and also has a home in Sardinia.
He said in an interview with OK! previously: “I drive… I own a few Ferraris, like a lot of Italians, as well as a Porsche, a big Jeep, and a Harley Davidson.”
“I rarely drive, however, because I like to have a drink. Instead, I employ a driver.”
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