ITV are locked in talks over a replacement for The Jeremy Kyle Show – and how to protect other reality shows including Love Island.
Bosses at the channel have been working around the clock to look at options for a new morning series that could fill the hole left by Kyle’s show, which was pulled this week following the death of guest Steven Dymond.
If they cannot create a new programme quickly, another idea is to extend current favourites including shows like Lorraine and This Morning to bridge the gap.
A TV source said: “David Dickinson’s Real Deal is on in Kyle’s place at the moment but it is struggling in the ratings so it does not look like a long-term fix.
“The Jeremy Kyle show pulled in a million viewers, so they need a replacement as soon as possible. There are lots of meetings and plans being drawn up.”
Steven 63, died a week after failing a lie detector test on the Kyle show.
Love Island Scot Laura Anderson on post-villa mental toll after death of Mike Thalassitis
A committee of MPs will now look into whether TV companies give enough care to guests on shows.
ITV chief Carolyn McCall is desperate for Love Island Scot Laura Anderson on post-villa mental toll after death of Mike Thalassitis – which is a huge money-spinner for the channel – to continue.
Controversial elements of the show, including the lie detector test and other segments designed to cause rows and conflict, will be toned down or axed to reduce the prospect of contestants suffering mental distress.
Pop star Kelly Osbourne says all reality TV shows have a duty of “aftercare”.
Kelly, who starred with her family in the reality series The Osbournes, said: “You can’t exploit people without aftercare. You have to realise that TV is very powerful to people who aren’t well-versed in this industry.
Kyle, 53, said he was “utterly devastated by the recent events”.
