Gino D'Acampo to make film debut in Disney and Pixar's 'Luca'

TV chef Gino D'Acampo has announced he'll be a featured voice in the upcoming Disney/Pixar movie Luca.

The star, famed for his rants on UK's This Morning, has turned his expertise to the cartoon world as a priest called Eugenio in the UK version of the fantasy film.

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D'Acampo was filmed in the recording studio as he said his line – and renamed the character "Gino" in his own honour in the process.

He wrote on Twitter: "Ciao guys, I am super excited to announce my cameo role in the new Disney-Pixar film Luca. Meet Eugenio The Priest!

"It’s an honour to join the world of Disney, especially in a film that reminds me of my summers in Italy."

D'Acampo admitted recording his lines with the help of director Enrico Casarosa was "harder than he thought".

"I think it's easier to cook for a wedding of 50 people than do five lines on a movie like this," he said.

"But it's good. Happy. Super happy."

Casarosa later said in a statement: "It's wonderful to be able to add local voices in cameo roles in our films – and Gino had a lot of fun doing it.

"I think UK audiences will be thrilled to hear a familiar voice in the role and we can't wait to share Luca with them this month."

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Luca follows the story of a young boy in the Italian Riviera during the summer he comes of age.

After he becomes friends with Alberto, the pair set off on months of fun and adventures, including grabbing gelato and enjoying scooter rides.

However, there’s a secret that can’t get out – they are actually sea monsters from another world just below the water's surface.

The Room’s Jacob Tremblay voices Luca, and IT star Jack Dylan Grazer plays Alberto.

Luca is released on 18 June on Disney Plus.

Watch: Luca 'Friendship' featurette