Jeremy Kyle plots return to TV with two new shows
Jeremy Kyle is set to make his ITV comeback with a new series of The Kyle Files and another programme, which is still in development.
His fate with the UK network was left uncertain when tabloid talk show The Jeremy Kyle Show - which he had fronted since 2005 - was cancelled following the death of a former guest.
Now though, a source has told the Mirror that “The Kyle Files will be back as usual in early 2020 and another show is being sought for him.”
Having premiered in 2015, The Kyle Files sees the 53-year-old investigates social issues, from knife crime and dangerous driving to the increasing number of homeless people throughout the UK.
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Late construction worker Steve Dymond had taped an episode of the controversial reality series back in April, which saw his fiancée Jane Callaghan confront him after he failed a lie detector test when asked about his suspected infidelity.
He was found dead at his home in Portsmouth just ten days later. It has been reported that his death is a suspected suicide.
Speaking about the incident, Kyle said at the time: “Myself and the production team I worked with for the last 14 years are all utterly devastated by the recent events.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Steve’s family at this incredibly sad time.”
Dymond’s death sparked an investigation into the aftercare participants receive after appearing on the show. Shortly after, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall said the broadcaster was pulling the plug on the long-running daytime series.
“Given the gravity of recent events we have decided to end production of The Jeremy Kyle Show,” she said in a statement. “[It] 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.”
More recently, Kyle refused to appear before before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee to give evidence as part of the ongoing inquest surround Dymond’s death.
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Chairman Damian Collins told MPs on 18 June: “We believe that Jeremy Kyle himself should be an important witness to that as the show is based around him as the lead presenter of it.
"We have sent an invitation to Mr Kyle through his representatives. And we have received word back from them that he has declined to appear in front of the committee on Tuesday next week."