Viewers of The Jeremy Kyle Show have expressed their sadness and anger that the long-running series has been axed for good.
ITV confirmed the tabloid-style talkshow has ended production after a guest, Steve Dymond, was found dead just days after his appearance.
Read more: Piers Morgan calls criticism of Jeremy Kyle “vicious”
It’s understood that Mr Dymond had approached the show in an attempt to prove he hadn’t been unfaithful to his partner, Jane Callaghan, but he failed the lie detector test – which prompted the end of his relationship.
Mr Dymond is believed to have taken his own life last Thursday as a result of his appearance on the show and the subsequent breakdown of his relationship.
Now, ITV has permanently scrapped the programme after criticism from Mr Dymond’s family and viewers.
Read more: Tragic final texts from Jeremy Kyle Show guest Steve Dymond
The series, which has been running for 14 years and invites guests to air their dirty laundry in public, was pulled from the schedules on Monday after news of the death became public knowledge.
On Wednesday (May 15), Carolyn McCall, ITV’s CEO, announced: “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.”
But, while fans of the show obviously had sympathy for the circumstances surrounding the death, they questioned the channel’s decision to axe it.
How can @ITV cancel The Jeremy Kyle Show? I feel sorry for the person that lost their life and his family but at the end of the day people go on these shows knowing what they are facing .. you shouldn't go on the show if you arent prepared to be called out on your own lie. Shame
— ★Tory (@Toryy_x) May 15, 2019
https://twitter.com/cheesecakeEMILY/status/1128596153057140736
@ITVJeremyKyle I’m so so sad to hear the show has been axed! Fight to get it on another channel please!!!!
— Kat (@Kat_198821) May 15, 2019
https://twitter.com/Clairaki73/status/1128591173608726528
İ watch JK and looked forward daily, so sad it's the end
— Viking Queen (@VikingQueen13) May 15, 2019
RIP Jeremy Kyle pic.twitter.com/IOo1CKD8U1
— Tom (@TSR98_) May 15, 2019
One said: “How can @ITV cancel The Jeremy Kyle Show? I feel sorry for the person who lost their life and his family but, at the end of the day, people go on these shows knowing what they are facing… You shouldn’t go on the show if you aren’t prepared to be called out on your own lie. Shame.”
Another fumed: “ITV ruined my daily morning routine cancelling Jeremy Kyle, now haven’t they?”
A third said: “I’m literally so sad that The Jeremy Kyle show has been axed.”
“I’m so so sad to hear the show has been axed!” expressed another. “Fight to get it on another channel please!!!!”
Others questioned why Love Island is returning, despite the death of two of their contestants.
Many applauded ITV’s decision to axe the show, however, calling it “toxic”, “exploitative”, “cruel”, “humiliating” and preying on the “vulnerable”.
Me after hearing ‘The Jeremy Kyle Show’ has been permanently cancelled.#JeremyKyle pic.twitter.com/ACdWV8mT0k
— Scott W. (@scott_w88) May 15, 2019
Odd that it’s taken 14 years for there to be a public outcry over the obvious cruelty involved in the humiliation that is built into the fabric of The Jeremy Kyle Show.
— Matthew Stadlen (@MatthewStadlen) May 14, 2019
Jeremy Kyle Show permanently cancelled
Now we need to look at cancelling all other programmes that exploit people who want 15 mins of fame & get years of heartache & depression instead
You know who you are
— nazir afzal (@nazirafzal) May 15, 2019
On Monday, an ITV spokeswoman said in a statement: “Everyone at ITV and The Jeremy Kyle Show is shocked and saddened at the news of the death of a participant in the show a week after the recording of the episode they featured in and our thoughts are with their family and friends.
“ITV will not screen the episode in which they featured.”
On Tuesday, Steve’s partner Ms Callaghan spoke to The Sun of her distress over her ex’s death.
She also detailed the final message he sent her, which read: “I can’t live without you. I just wanted to come and see you. I just wanted to say sorry before I go. My life is not worth living without you.”
Ms Callaghan also revealed that Mr Dymond had been diagnosed with depression in February, but had been given a note from his doctor to say he was fit to do the show.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, The Jeremy Kyle Show released a lengthy statement explaining its position on aftercare for participants of all its programmes.
They said prior to the show a “comprehensive assessment” is carried out by the guest welfare team on all potential contributors and the production team “keep in touch with the participants in the days between recording and transmission”.
If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, contact Samaritans free on 116 123.
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