CHEEKY celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo says expect the unexpected when he returns to Bolton later this month.

The television star is set to be one of the main attractions when he appears at Bolton Food and Drink Festival, between August 22 and 25.

The 38-year-old, who was born in Naples, Italy, will showcase his culinary skills in the Festival Marquee, Victoria Square, on the Saturday of the bank holiday weekend event.

He said: “There will be great food, lots of fun, probably some unexpected Italian words — and probably some unexpected English ones, too. Don't say you haven't been warned!”

Next week will see the final episode in the current series of Let's Do Lunch with Gino & Mel, the ITV1 show which sees the chef team up with presenter Melanie Sykes for lunchtime fun, food and celebrity guests.

Gino said: “Mel is great because she's able to remain professional and laugh along with me at the same time.

“We get on really well and have a fantastic time doing the show.

“I like to think that it really comes across to the audience at home.”

No stranger to the world of television, he first appeared on cable channel UKTV Food before landing regular stints on This Morning and, in 2009, was crowned king of the jungle in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

He said: “It was an amazing experience; nothing can quite prepare you for it.

“To be honest, I had a great time but, although you should never say never, I don't expect to be doing another reality show any time soon.”

In 1998, at the age of 21, Gino spent a spell in prison after being convicted of burglary — the shock he needed to work hard, change his ways and turn his life around.

Now he is one of the most popular faces on television, having built up an army of admirers over the years who have been known to ask for unconventional autographs.

He said: “I'm pretty approachable and try to keep in contact with everyone through Twitter and Facebook.

“Apart from being asked to sign unexpected areas of people's bodies, nothing too bizarre has happened.”

It was thanks to his grandfather, who was head chef for Costa Cruises, that a young Gino inherited his love of cooking and his influence is still evident in the chef’s work today.

He said: “He was a respected chef who — like most Italians chefs — cooked in a classic, but uncomplicated style, allowing the best seasonal ingredients to show their wonderful flavours.

“He taught me so much, about food and life and, although I've undoubtedly picked up a few influences from having travelled and lived abroad, his influence is always at the core of my cooking.”

After the festival, he is looking forward to the launch of his series which sees him explore some of Italy's best-loved locations through some of the country's dishes.

He said: “A second series of Gino's Italian Escape will be starting in September. I hope you'll all be watching.”

Tickets for Gino’s demonstrations cost £5, visit boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com.