Alfonso Signorini (Milan, 7 April 1964) is an Italian journalist, television host, author and theatre director. A leading figure in gossip and entertainment, he is known for directing the weekly magazine Chi and for hosting the reality show Grande Fratello VIP on Canale 5. His career spans journalism, television, radio and opera direction.
Signorini taught classical subjects before devoting himself to journalism. He started as a contributor to La Provincia di Como and Corriere della Sera, then joined the editorial staff of Chi from its foundation, standing out with celebrity scoops such as the relationship between Luciano Pavarotti and Nicoletta Mantovani. In 2006 he became director of the weekly and contributed to its success as Italy’s leading gossip magazine.
From 2002 he appeared on Chiambretti c’è and became a commentator on L’isola dei famosi and Verissimo. He created and hosted Kalispéra! (2010–2011) and, since 2020, has fronted Grande Fratello VIP, a role that has consolidated his popularity. For ten years he hosted the Alfonso Signorini Show on Radio Monte Carlo.
A passionate opera lover, he has directed works such as Turandot, La Bohème, Tosca and Simon Boccanegra in Italian and international theatres. As an author he has published biographies of Maria Callas (Troppo fiera, troppo fragile) and Coco Chanel, as well as novels inspired by historical figures.
Openly gay, he is in a stable relationship with the entrepreneur Paolo Galimberti. He survived leukaemia diagnosed in 2011, an experience that contributed to his empathetic tone on TV. Since 2025 his name has been linked to judicial investigations connected to Grande Fratello VIP, allegations he has firmly rejected and which remain the subject of ongoing proceedings.
Signorini has profoundly influenced Italian lifestyle journalism, blending high culture and popular entertainment. As a host and author, he has helped redefine the language of televised gossip and bring opera to a wider audience.
