Gino D'Acampo is to become a team captain on popular series Celebrity Juice - replacing Holly Willoughby while she is on maternity leave.

Italian TV chef Gino will be seen stepping in from September 18 on the ITV2 comedy show, joining quizmaster Keith Lemon and the other regular captain Fearne Cotton.

Holly, who is expecting her third child, filmed one edition for the 12th series last week before bowing out.

Gino, also currently hosting Gino's Italian Escape for ITV, said: "I actually can't believe it's true - it's going to be the gig of my year.

"A show where I can express myself, not through food, but through my sex positions. Which I will be very happy to demonstrate with Fearne."

Fearne said: "I'll certainly miss Holly and am slightly worried about Gino's very naughty side, but it's going to be a lot of fun."

In the show, the two teams - featuring a series of guest stars - battle it out to prove they know most about the previous week's celebrity news.

Keith joked: "Looking forward to having me old pal from Sheffield cover for Holly whilst she's sprouting. I don't know how he's gonna keep up that fake Italian accent for a whole series but it's gonna be 'fantastico', as Gino says - or when he's out of character 'reet good'."

Celebrity Juice is the highest-rating programme on the channel.