ITV commissions Gino’s Italy: Like Mamma Used to Make

ITV commissions Gino’s Italy: Like Mamma Used to Make

Gino D’Acampo is returning to his motherland to learn more from the Mammas of Italy for a new ITV series.

In this personal food odyssey, Gino will be travelling the length and breadth of Italy from Naples, Florence and Bologna to encounter local dishes from families and their matriarchs along the way.

The 6x30 series from Betty TV celebrates the women who have fed Italy and shaped the country’s cuisine through the ages. Starting in his place of birth, Torre Del Greco in Napoli, where he learnt to cook in the kitchens of his Nonna Flora and Mamma Alba, Gino is going back to his roots to celebrate all the women whose kitchens have fuelled Italy through their incredible food.

With recipes including Pasta al Genovese, Steak Fiorentine and Tortellini, Gino will have his work cut out to keep up with the women running the kitchens which he visits.

Gino said:

“From learning to make pizza at the fingertips of my Nonna Flora, to stirring simmering pots of ragu in my mamma’s kitchen. From the first meatballs I rolled with my aunty Clara to the Spaghetti Vongole that I make for my own family. My journey as a chef is all thanks to two generations of women, who without their passion for the food that they fed their families, I would not be where I am.”

Gino’s Italy: Like Mamma Used to Make was commissioned for ITV by Nicola Lloyd, Factual Entertainment commissioner and Sue Murphy, Head of Factual Entertainment.

Nicola said:

“This show will see Gino immersed in the culture that fired his passion for cooking, inviting viewers to join him as he celebrates the women who nurture and continue the traditions that make Italian food the centre of family life with all the warmth, humour and wisdom that brings.”

Helen Cooke, Joint Creative Director of Betty TV added:

“It’s a pleasure to be working with Gino as he cooks for his toughest crowd yet - some of Italy’s feistiest female cooks. In this new series he’ll reveal his tastiest family recipes, learn new dishes and meet some incredible Mammas. Expect cheeky banter, heart-warming moments and for Gino to eat some humble pie.”

The series producer and director is Naveed Chowdhary-Flatt with executive producers Helen Cooke and David Harrison for Betty TV.  All3Media International will distribute the series.

The series will be accompanied by a standalone cookbook, Gino’s Italy: Like Mamma Used to Make, published by Bloomsbury.