Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Jeremy Kyle’s appearance on Kate Garraway’s Life Stories has sparked a wave of viewer complaints, with many criticizing ITV for platforming the broadcaster. The 58-year-old Jeremy Kyle discussed his life with Kate Garraway, 57, on the launch of the new series of the ITV programme on Tuesday, April 1st. The television personality addressed a range of topics, from his early life and journey to stardom, to the ascent and decline of The Jeremy Kyle Show and his cancer diagnosis.
Viewer Backlash on Social Media
Almost immediately following the broadcast’s commencement, spectators turned to social media platforms to voice their objections regarding Jeremy Kyle’s participation in the programme and to condemn ITV’s choice to broadcast the episode.
- One viewer expressed disbelief at Jeremy Kyle’s feature, implying favoritism at ITV considering his controversial history.
- Another spectator described the Life Stories episode as “contemptible,” referencing the Steve Dymond tragedy and accusing ITV of celebrating an individual from a privileged background who had “punched down” on vulnerable individuals.
- Additional criticism included accusations that ITV was attempting to rehabilitate Jeremy Kyle’s public image and that he had exploited working-class individuals without facing adequate accountability.
- Certain viewers accused Kyle of actively seeking a “TV comeback,” in spite of his affluent upbringing, and reproached him for attempting to overshadow Kate Garraway.
- Another viewer questioned ITV’s decision to grant Jeremy Kyle further airtime on Life Stories, expressing strong disapproval.
Positive Sentiments Expressed
Notwithstanding the widespread criticism, a segment of viewers conveyed positive sentiments regarding Jeremy Kyle’s participation.
- One viewer affirmed having “always rated Jeremy Kyle.”
- Others communicated their enjoyment of the inaugural Life Stories episode and admitted missing The Jeremy Kyle Show.
Context: The Cancellation of The Jeremy Kyle Show
The Jeremy Kyle Show faced a premature conclusion after 17 series in 2019, subsequent to the death of Steve Dymond, a 63-year-old construction worker who died shortly after participating as a guest on the programme. The presenter, Jeremy Kyle, was subsequently exonerated from suggestions that his “acts or omissions” “may have caused or contributed to” the unfortunate event. In conversation with Kate Garraway, Jeremy Kyle conceded that he understood the necessity for the show’s termination.
He stated, “I understand entirely that The Kyle Show had to be discontinued. We launched in 2005, which was just prior to the widespread adoption of social media – and I believe that fundamentally altered everything. The current media environment is significantly different. Understandably, programmes of that format are no longer viable.”