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Jeremy Kyle Show axed forever

The Jeremy Kyle Show has been axed forever by ITV today following the suspected suicide of a guest who appeared on the programme.

Bosses at the channel have admitted this morning it is the right time to end the show after the death of Steve Dymond, 63, who is thought to have killed himself after being featured on the daytime show.

It comes amid a clamour of voices calling for an "urgent review" to the show, led by Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins, the chair of the all-party digital, culture, media and sport select committee.

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The show has been axed forever
The show has been axed forever

A statement released this morning said the show, which has been on air for 14 years, would end.

Carolyn McCall, ITV’s chief executive, said: "Given the gravity of recent events we have decided to end production of The Jeremy Kyle Show.

“The Jeremy Kyle Show has had a loyal audience and has been made by a dedicated production team for 14 years, but now is the right time for the show to end.

“Everyone at ITV's thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Steve Dymond.

"The previously announced review of the episode of the show is underway and will continue.

"ITV will continue to work with Jeremy Kyle on other projects."

Mr Dymond took a lie-detector test on the show on May 2 to convince his fiancee he had not been unfaithful.

He was told he had failed it and was found in his flat in Portsmouth last Thursday, May 9.

A public outcry followed his death and politicians, including Theresa May's spokesman called the incident "deeply concerning" and MPs were due to discuss the matter later today.

Damian Collins
Damian Collins

Since the news broke of Mr Dymond's death, Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins also called for an "urgent review" into how TV shows protect the welfare of reality show guests.

The politician, who chairs the all-party digital, culture, media and sport select committee, said a "proper independent review" was required into the duty of care policies carried out by shows which put "anonymous, private citizens" in the spotlight.

This morning, after the news of the show being axed broke, Mr Collins added: “It is the right decision but I think there is still a case for a review of the way reality shows like this look after the welfare of their guests.”

“There needs to be a code established for better practice for people who appear on reality shows.

“It is the right decision but I think there is still a case for a review of the way reality shows like this look after the welfare of their guests...” - Damian Collins MP

"We often saw on the Jeremy Kyle show people who were vulnerable and while they may have entered the process willingly we need to look at what support they get; they (Jeremy Kyle) did have a system but reality shows need to look at whether far more should be done.”

MPs on the select committee will meet this afternoon to discuss whether to have a formal inquiry.

Asked if there were particular shows that there were concerns about, he cited “Love Island.”

Two former contestants who appeared on the show have committed suicide.

Danniella Westbrook
Danniella Westbrook

Danniella Westbrook's return to the show was also postponed following the programme's suspension earlier this week.

Former Eastenders actress Ms Westbrook, who has lived in Greenhithe and Medway, appeared on Jeremy Kyle earlier this year to talk about her drug addiction, and accepted an offer of a 10-week rehab programme "to change her life".

It looks like the show she had filmed will now never be aired.

Philip Clements and Florin Marin appeared on The Jeremy Kyle Show. Picture: ITV
Philip Clements and Florin Marin appeared on The Jeremy Kyle Show. Picture: ITV

In June last year, a former priest from Eastry in the county and his young husband appeared on an episode of Jeremy Kyle.

Retired clergyman Philip Clements 79, and 25-year-old Romanian model Florin Marin's turbulent relationship was the topic of discussion on the popular ITV talk show.

The pair, who travelled to Manchester to film the show, were married in April 2017 but announced their split just four months later.

They've since reconciled but are living apart.

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