Emmerdale star ‘heartbroken’ as he axes public appearance last minute in ‘family emergency
EXCLUSIVE: A celebrity chef was forced to cancel a public appearance at a huge awards ceremony.
A star who appeared in Emmerdale axed a public appearance last minute (Image: ITV)
One MasterChef icon was left “very upset” after being forced to pull out of a public appearance due to a “family emergency”. Aldo Zilli, who has appeared on everything from Celebrity Antiques Road Trip to Hell’s Kitchen – and who even made a cameo on ITV soap Emmerdale in 2005 – was due to appear at the UK Italian Awards this week.
The awards were held at Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square hotel yesterday (March 30), with stars including Carol Vorderman and Vito Coppola in attendance. Sadly as host Andy Clarke took to the stage, he was forced to announce that a “heartbroken” Aldo had suffered a “family emergency” which meant he couldn’t be there.
In lieu of an in-person appearance, Aldo instead filmed a video message to play to attendees, admitting he was “very sad” to deliver the news.
In lieu of an in-person appearance, Aldo instead filmed a video message to play to attendees, admitting he was “very sad” to deliver the news.
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Aldo said: “Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances haven’t allowed me to be there tonight and I am very upset about it and want to apologise to everyone involved.
“But if you are there and you’ve won an award, congratulations. If you haven’t won an award, don’t worry – just come back stronger next year.
“[Founder] Warren Paul will look after you, and so will the rest of the team. Now all there is left to say – let’s beat Bosnia tomorrow night in the World Cup in America!”
His words were met with cheers and applause from the crowd.
Aldo Zilli appeared in a video message (Image: Jess Phillips)
Aldo didn’t clarify what the emergency was. Last year, however, he confirmed his mother-in-law suffered a “life-changing” accident last year after being hit by an e-bike while waiting at a pedestrian crossing. She was 83 years old at the time.
Aldo’s mother-in-law spent five weeks in hospital with a broken leg, admitting “it ruined my life”. Aldo, meanwhile, admitted it was “absolute devastation” for the family.
The UK Italian Awards were launched in 2012, celebrating restaurants, cafes and chefs across the country which specialise in Italian cuisine. This year, the ceremony and gala dinner took place in London for the first time.
Categories included Best Tiramisu, Best Pizzeria and Best Wine List. Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola was recognised with the Outstanding Achievement award for his dedication to promoting Italian food and culture as he prepares to launch a new cookbook.
