UNIVERSALLY popular Italian chef Gino D’Acampo’s new primetime ITV series Gino’s Italian Escape sees him returning to his homeland to explore the cuisine.

It is accompanied by a book of the same name, which he will be signing at WH Smith in Bluewater from 5.30pm on Thursday, September 19.

Vibe caught up with the father-of-two and I’m a Celebrity 2009 winner to ask him about the book, his career and his love of food...

How was filming Gino’s Italian Escape?

It was quite emotional, actually, making the first programme of my first primetime series in the area where I grew up.  Of course, I loved every minute and I hope you all enjoy watching ...

Did you always want to be a chef?

I would say so.  My grandfather was a chef and he was a huge inspiration to me.  When I saw the pleasure and happiness good food can bring to people, I thought: "This is what I want to do".

What is your favourite meal?

I love pasta. It's a fantastic medium for so many delicious sauces and definitely the one food I couldn't do without.

Did you try the recipes from your book on your sons and which were their favourite meals?

The whole family tries my recipes; it's very important, when writing a cookbook, to make sure everything works well. In Gino's Italian Escape, one of the boys' favourites was the last one in the book - a frozen cake: Zuccotto Panetttone e Marsala

What is the best recipe in the book for novice cooks and do you have any tips for any nervous chefs?

For novice cooks, I'd recommend the Rotolini di Prosciutto Crudo e Mozzarella - mainly because it doesn't involve any cooking! For nervous chefs - a glass of Italian red wine ...

Gino’s Italian Escape is out now, £20, and the series of the same name is on ITV Fridays at 8pm. Gino will be signing copies of his book at Bluewater on Thursday (September 19) from 5.30pm.

Bluewater’s new dining guide, chock full of offers, will be published on September 25.