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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Oliver Milne & Sophie McCoid

Parliament launch inquiry after Jeremy Kyle show axed following death of guest

Parliament are set to investigate reality TV shows over fears that they don't do enough to protect "vulnerable" guests, after Jeremy Kyle was cancelled.

The Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) committee probe will examine if TV companies do enough to look after the welfare of contestants.

The probe comes as ITV axed Jeremy Kyle forever , after it was taken off air following the suspected suicide of guest Steve Dymond - reports Mirror Online.

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.

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

Jeremy Kyle, as ITV has been urged to end broadcast of his self-titled show for good (PA)

DCMS committee chairman Damian Collins said ITV made the "right decision" in ending the programme but that MPs needed to examine if reality telly was being correctly regulated.

He said: "This should not be the end of the matter. There needs to be an independent review of the duty of care TV companies have to participants in reality TV shows and the DCMS select committee has decided to hold an inquiry this summer into these issues.

"Programmes like The Jeremy Kyle Show risk putting people who might be vulnerable on to a public stage at a point in their lives when they are unable to foresee the consequences, either for themselves or their families.

"This kind of TV featuring members of the public attracts viewing figures in the millions but in return for ratings, the broadcasters must demonstrate their duty of care to the people whose personal lives are being exposed.

"With an increasing demand for this type of programming, we'll be examining broadcasting regulation in this area - is it fit for purpose?"

The Jeremy Kyle Show is not the only reality TV programme to come under scrutiny in recent months.

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Love Island was also brought into question after contestant Mike Thalassitis committed suicide.

He was the second person to appear in the ITV show to take their own life, with previous contestant Sophie Grandon dying in 2018

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: "That was a decision for ITV to make. This was a deeply concerning case."

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