Fans of The Jeremy Kyle Show were left shocked by the news that a guest had passed away one week after filming an episode of the show. Steve Dymond, 63, died after failing a lie detector test on the show and subsequently splitting up with his fiancée, and the show has now been cancelled as a result.
ITV's CEO Carolyn McCall confirmed the news in a statement, which read, '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.'
Jeremy himself has now spoken out about the tragic events, releasing a statement following his 14-year show being taken off the air. He said, "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."
Jeremy Kyle cancellation: A timeline of events
The Jeremy Kyle Show cancellation timeline
1 of 3ITV reveals 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 3The 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 3The 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."
After the news that The Jeremy Kyle Show would be cancelled, many viewers have been left wondering whether Love Island would also face the same fate, as two former contestants on the show - Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon - have also passed away.
However, it has today been confirmed that Love Island will still go ahead, with an ITV spokesperson telling Yahoo, "We are not issuing any further statements regarding Love Island but it will be back on ITV2 this summer."
Our thoughts are with Steve's family at this time.