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Jeremy Kyle Set for ITV Return After Show’s Cancellation
TV personality Jeremy Kyle is poised to make a comeback to ITV, six years after his daytime program was taken off the air. This return follows the 2019 cancellation of The Jeremy Kyle Show in the wake of a guest’s death. In September 2024, Kyle, age 59, stated he felt vindicated after a formal investigation determined no direct causal link existed between guest Steve Dymond’s appearance on the program and his subsequent suicide.
Inquest Finds No Direct Link Between Show and Guest’s Death
The long-running talk show was abruptly halted in 2019 following the death of Mr. Dymond, 63. One week prior, Dymond participated in filming for the program to refute allegations of infidelity to his partner, during which he failed a polygraph test. The inquest revealed that Dymond was left “distraught” and “shattered” post-filming. Furthermore, testimony indicated Kyle had reportedly told the guest to “grow up” and expressed distrust towards him even with something as trivial as a “chocolate button.”
The inquest also heard that Kyle allegedly encouraged the studio audience to jeer at Mr. Dymond after the failed lie detector test. While the coroner acknowledged Mr. Dymond’s “mental anguish,” they concluded The Jeremy Kyle Show could not be deemed the “direct cause” of his distress and that Kyle’s conduct towards Mr. Dymond was not a “contributing factor” in his death.
Kyle to Appear on “Life Stories” with Kate Garraway
Now, Kyle is scheduled to reappear on the network six years after executives removed his show from broadcast schedules. He will feature on Life Stories hosted by Kate Garraway. In a social media announcement, the father-of-four conveyed his thoughts about the upcoming appearance. He posted: “Thrilled to be back on ITV this Tuesday at 9 pm with the amazing @kategarraway for Life Stories. It might be worthwhile viewing, if only for a laugh at my embarrassing Bowl Cut at age 6.”
Reflections on Show’s Demise and Changing Media Landscape
According to reports, Kyle will openly discuss the conclusion of his program with Kate Garraway. He reportedly states: “I fully understand that The Kyle Show had to take the blame as a consequence of that event. You can be at the peak of success one day and completely excluded the next. We began in 2005, just before the rise of social media, and I believe that fundamentally altered everything.”
The presenter further suggests that his program might not be commissioned in the current climate, arguing that societal norms have shifted significantly. He remarks: “Freedom of speech is limited now, isn’t it?” Following his announcement on social media platform Instagram, his supporters promptly praised him and requested the return of his program. One devoted follower commented enthusiastically: “ITV doesn’t deserve you JK, but it will be great to see you back on TV. Even though I already enjoy your excellent drive time show on Talk. Keep up the great work; we need more individuals like you.”