Many fans are calling for the popular ITV2 dating show Love Island to be cancelled, following news earlier this week that The Jeremy Kyle Show has been axed due to the death of a former guest. After reports broke of the death, a petition was launched to have Jeremy Kyle pulled.
Following ITV released a statement on Wednesday (15th), it was confirmed that The Jeremy Kyle Show, that had been running for 14 years, was being pulled permanently, with them saying, 'Now is the right time for the show to end.'
The nation has since been divided, with many fans calling for Love Island to be cancelled as well, with two former contestant tragically passing away within the last year. Many have taken to Twitter to share their views.
One wrote, 'Jeremy Kyle Show: 1 suspected suicide in 3320 episodes - ITV cancel it indefinitely. Love Island: 2 suspected suicides in 148 episodes - not cancelled by ITV. All about views and money' [sic].
Many fans of Love Island, however, have been quick to defend the annual summer-time dating show, arguing that the 'premise' of The Jeremy Kyle Show is entirely different.
Another fan wrote, '“WHy CaNcEl JeReMy KylE aNd NoT lOvE IsLaND?” Maybe because the Jeremy Kyle show is fundamentally flawed because its entire premise is to laugh at vulnerable and unfortunate people as if their lives are freak shows? Just a thought' [sic].
The anti-Jeremy Kyle petition quickly gained just over 75,000 signatures, describing the show as turning 'the real-life suffering of people into entertainment.'
Swipe to follow The Jeremy Kyle Show cancellation timeline...
The Jeremy Kyle Show cancellation timeline slider
1 of 4ITV confirms the episode featuring Steve Dymond will not be aired
After Steve Dymond died shortly after filming, an ITV spokesperson issued a statement saying: "Everyone at ITV and The Jeremy Kyle Show is shocked and saddened at the news of the death of a participant in the show a week after the recording of the episode they featured in and our thoughts are with their family and friends."
2 of 4The Jeremy Kyle Show is suspended with immediate effect
Bosses at ITV confirmed that filming and broadcasting were suspended "with immediate effect" as that day's edition of the show was replaced at short notice with a repeat episode of Dickinson's Real Deal.
3 of 4The Jeremy Kyle Show is permanently axed
ITV CEO Carolyn McCall issues a statement reading: "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."
4 of 4Jeremy Kyle breaks his silence
"Myself and the production team I have worked with for the last 14 years are all utterly devastated by the recent events," the 53 year old presenter said in a statement, breaking his silence on the show's cancellation. "Our thoughts and sympathies are with Steve's family and friends at this incredibly sad time."
Jeremy has since spoken out about the tragic events, releasing a statement saying, "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."
The official Jeremy Kyle social media accounts, including the YouTube page, have also since been removed.
Following the tragic deaths of two former contestants, Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, Love Island released a statement ensuring viewers that they had amped up the aftercare they provide to contestants once they leave the show, as well as cast members having to pass mental health checks before prior to joining.
Despite ongoing debates, Love Island is still set to hit our screens this summer, with voice-over legend Iain Stirling AND Caroline Flack both teasing the new series.
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