Today’s edition of The Jeremy Kyle Show was cancelled and immediately replaced by a filler programme after a heartbreaking tragedy.
ITV issued a statement revealing the series was pulled following the news a guest on the chat show died only one week after filming their episode.
The channel have now suspended the programme to “conduct a review” of the episode and what happened.
“Everyone at ITV and The Jeremy Kyle Show is shocked and saddened,” an ITV spokesperson said. “At the news of the death of a participant in the show a week after the recording of the episode they featured in.
“Our thoughts are with their family and friends.
“ITV will not screen the episode in which they featured,” the representative continued.
“Given the seriousness of this event, ITV has also decided to suspend both filming and broadcasting of The Jeremy Kyle Show with immediate effect.
“In order to give it time to conduct a review of this episode of the show.”
ITV decided to air an repeat episode of Dickinson’s Real Deal in Jeremy Kyle’s regular slot instead.
Viewers were left puzzled and frustrated when they realised the programme had been taken off-air today.
Flocking to Twitter to question the decision, one viewer shared: “Taken today of at work to watch #jeremykyleshow not the #realdeal @ITVJeremyKyle @ITV.”
“Sad day indeed. Thoughts with the family of the person that has died. Thinking of all our lovely #JeremyKyle staff,” another posted.
A third wondered: “I think by the sounds of it there is going to be an investigation into the episode in which the guest who died was to be featured on. Sounds to me as though the outcome of that will determine whether the show will continue. #jeremykyle.”
While a fourth wrote: “This is the end of #jeremykyle?! What will I watch now to make myself feel better?!”
“#jeremykyle suspended indefinitely?! Somethings gone down. Why wouldn’t they just replace the episode with a repeat. Sad for the person who’s lost their life though,” a fifth added.
Viewers continued to share their wishes for everyone involved, as one person said: “Sad news that a guest has passed away.
“#JeremyKyle is utter sh**e TV but somebody passing away, however it’s happened is always sad.”
It is not currently known who has died, but ITV will release further information in due course.
The Jeremy Kyle Show normally airs weekdays at 9.30am on ITV.