First Dates star Fred Sirieix shows off his muscular physique

Looking good: Fred Sirieix showed off his muscular physique as he posed for a shirtless snap in the gym on Thursday morning

However, The Sun claims that the truth behind the TV star's exit from the show was really down to him being 'denied lie-ins' by show bosses.

The publication states that the fun-loving chef demanded a number of stipulations in his contract including staying up late and having a 'lie-in' before filming, making it clear that he hates early starts.

They also stated that D'Acampo wasn't keen on working for more than six months of the year, with his demands allegedly 'frustrating' his co-stars, leaving things 'pretty tense' between them.

A source said: 'Contrary to popular belief, the row wasn't over money — all three men get paid exactly the same.

'Instead, Gino, who loves a party, wanted all sorts of caveats put into his contract around working hours so that he could effectively stay up late and have a bit of a lie-in before filming. He doesn't like early starts - and made that clear.'

The insider went on to add that the This Morning star was working more than six months in a year, which they said was 'never going to be practical' given all of their 'tight schedules'.

They went on: 'Gordon and Fred are obviously quite frustrated and couldn't kowtow to his requests. It all seemed a bit ludicrous. At the moment things are pretty tense between them.'

MailOnline has contacted a representative for D'Acampo for comment.

Meanwhile, MailOnline can reveal that D'Acampo's decision to quit came as a shock to at least one of his co-stars as well as show bosses because Fred, 51, had been talking about working together just days before D'Acampo's announcement.

Gino's departure comes just two weeks after Fred told MailOnline the show's three big stars 'were getting there' in regards to settling contracts.

Work out: The First Dates star, 50, donned a pair of black shorts and flexed his muscles while taking the mirror selfie

Shock: It comes after Gino D'Acampo shocked fans on Sunday when he revealed he had quit popular ITV show Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip after three series

'Gino, who loves a party, wanted all sorts of caveats put into his contract around working hours so that he could effectively stay up late and have a bit of a lie-in before filming'

However, insiders wouldn't rule out D'Acampo changing his mind, with a source saying: 'Everybody connected with the show was shocked by Gino's post.

'As far as bosses were concerned, talks were ongoing and a settlement was in reach.

'Contract negotiations are always difficult because of the trio's schedules so the filming window where they can actually get the three of them together is pretty tight.

'But clearly Gino has lost patience and pulled out.'

The source added: 'Bosses hope to convince Gino to stay on with Gordon and Fred, because they genuinely have fun together and make great telly.'

Both Sirieix and Ramsay have yet to comment on D'Acampo's post, or share their own messages about the show restructuring.

During promotional interviews for his new Channel 4 series, Fred's Last Resort, Sirieix told MailOnline earlier this month that the trio were busy organising the show's next series.

However, he hinted that trouble was brewing behind the scenes, noting that there was an issue trying to pin everyone down.

He said: 'Yes, we are talking about dates at the moment to go together on the next road trip. It is a bit difficult to juggle all our diaries, but we are getting there.'

Confused: Sirieix told MailOnline earlier this month that the trio were busy organising the show's next series and repeated the claims three days later on ITV's Lorraine 

He went on to say that a hectic schedule was no bother for him, explaining: 'I'm busy… that's the nice thing about my career is there are never two days the same and that's why I like it - it's very diverse.'

'I get to meet a lot of people in different settings whether it's restaurants or TV and I find it really exciting.

'I don't mind being busy, I like being busy in fact because the busier you are, the busier you get and when I'm busier I'm happy. When I'm not busy, I'm not happy.'

He echoed the sentiments 10 days ago during a chat with ITV's Lorraine Kelly, saying: 'We are talking about dates for the next one. It is difficult to juggle all of our diaries.

'But we're getting there - we're getting there.'

MailOnline has contacted Sirieix and Ramsay's representatives for comment.

An ITV spokesman told MailOnline that a new series of Gordon, Gino & Fred's Road Trip in Spain has been filmed and will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX later this year.

The interviews have resurfaced after D'Acampo said in a lengthy Instagram video on Sunday that he was leaving due to a row over 'complicated' contacts.

The show saw the Italian TV favourite travel the globe with f ellow foodies Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix as they explore the local cuisine.

D'Acampo said that his friendships with his former colleagues had nothing to do with his exit with their 'strong' bond means more to him than arguments over contracts.

He told his followers: 'Last week I decided not to film any more Gordon, Gino and Fred Road trips. The reason is very simple - nothing to do with Gordon or Fred, the friendship is very strong.

'It's just because we can't get the dates together and sometimes when we do get the dates together sometimes they get changed and it causes a lot of problems for me because I have other stuff that I have to do.

Awkward: 'Gordon and Fred are obviously quite frustrated and couldn't kowtow to his requests. It all seemed a bit ludicrous. At the moment things are pretty tense between them'

'Personal problems as well because when I have to change things with my family it is very complicated and also because contracts.'

Gino is married to Jessica Stellina Morrison with whom he has sons Luciano, 21, Rocco, 18, and nine-year-old daughter Mia.

He went on to say: 'Because contracts start to become very complicated and very stressful, I personally value the friendship with Gordon and Fred so much that I would rather the friendship than arguments with the contract.

'So I have decided not to do it anymore because I want to be friends with the boys for many, many years ahead.'