ITV bosses want to replace ‘The Jeremy Kyle Show’ with "something that involves the audience".
Producers are said to be working around the clock to find a suitable programme to fill the daytime slot after the series – which aired five times a week – was cancelled after the death of contestant Steve Dymond, who died from a suspected suicide just over a week after taking a lie detector test.
An insider told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "’David Dickinson’s Real Deal’ is on at the moment in Kyle’s place but is struggling for ratings.
"The slot needs to be filled by something that involves the audience or the public. There are lots of meetings and plans being drawn up."
Host Jeremy Kyle has been left "devastated" by Steve’s death and he has sent his "thoughts and sympathies" to his family.
He said: "Myself and the production team I have worked with for the last 14 years are all utterly devastated by the recent events. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Steve’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time."
Announcing the end of ‘The Jeremy Kyle Show’, Carolyn McCall – ITV’s CEO – 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."
But the network won’t be cutting ties with Jeremy completely.
Carolyn added: "ITV will continue to work with Jeremy Kyle on other projects."
ITV ‘want Jeremy Kyle Show replacement to involve audience or public’
