Fred Sirieix appeared to have hinted that there was drama already brewing before his pal Gino D'Acampo sensationally quit their ITV show.
Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip sees the trio explore the world together but while he may no longer be on the programme, Gino insists they're still good friends.
But First Dates star Fred, 51, appears to have hinted at trouble in paradise weeks before Gino announced his departure stating clashes with bosses over contracts.
Gino, 46, announced his departure on March 20, stating that there were several reasons he could no longer commit to the programme and head overseas.
In an interview which was published on March 7, Fred hinted at conflicts, telling MailOnline: "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."
Days later during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine, Fred commented: "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."
Sharing the news he'd left the programme, Gino said: "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.
"Personal problems as well because when I have to change things with my family it is very complicated and also because of contracts."
The former Celebrity Juice star continued: "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."
However, a source has since claimed that Gino's announcement left Gordon and Fred completely blindsided.
"As far as bosses were concerned, talks were ongoing and a settlement was in reach," an insider told the Mail Online.
The mole went on to claim that Gino had "lost patience and pulled out" of negotiations.
