After ITV announced they had cancelled The Jeremy Kyle Show for good earlier today (Wednesday May 15), it’s been reported that the host had a feeling the channel were looking for a reason to axe it.
Ahead of the announcement by ITV, The Sun claimed that Jeremy was worried ITV execs were keen to cancel his show anyway and he feared he would be made a scapegoat.
A source told the publication: “Jeremy and those on the show are worried that this could be the nail in the coffin.
“There’s been a groundswell of criticism since the news broke of Steve’s death, and there’s a feeling from people who work on the show that top bosses might decide to use the incident as a reason to change things around.”
Jeremy’s rep told Entertainment Daily there was no comment from the host at this stage.
The show was taken off the air on Monday (May 13) after guest Steve Dymond was found dead days after appearing on the show in a suspected suicide.
It was announced that the show wouldn’t be airing for the foreseeable future, and all episodes were taken down off the ITV Hub.
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.
Following filming, Mr Dymond is believed to have taken his own life last Thursday.
ITV released a statement this morning confirming the show had been permanently axed after criticism from Mr Dymond’s family and viewers.
Carolyn McCall, ITV’s CEO, announced on Wednesday: “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.”
On Tuesday, Steve’s former 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.”
Read more: Jeremy Kyle Show guest Steve Dymond diagnosed with depression three months before ‘suicide’
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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