ITV's daytime schedule has been thrown into chaos following the broadcaster's decision to cancel The Jeremy Kyle Show with immediate effect earlier this week, but fans now have an idea of what could fill the vacant TV spot.
Episodes of Dickinson's Real Deal have been shown in The Jeremy Kyle Show's slot of weekdays at 9.25am since Monday (May 13) after ITV suspended the show following the death of Steve Dymond, who had appeared on the programme a week earlier.
The Duke looks set to stay in that time slot for the time being, but fans are now hoping that Martin Lewis – aka the money saving expert – could fill the gap with his own chat show about money-related issues.
"Personally think @ITV should consider giving Martin Lewis a chat show in Jeremy Kyle show's slot," one Twitter user shared on Wednesday (May 15).
"Educate the audience with real solutions for guests with financial problems. Something where one on air example could help thousands of viewers."
Related: Jeremy Kyle Show guest's death will spark "independent review" by parliament committee
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The idea drew a lot of support on social media, with many Twitter users saying they'd love to see a programme like that every day, and that Martin doesn't get enough time during his regular appearances on This Morning.
"Clearly there is a big demand for @MartinSLewis to be on our TVs a lot more," one fan wrote.
"This is an awesome idea," another added. "Martin Lewis is great and he's got a lot of really good knowledge to share with people. There's so much about finances that they don't teach you in school."
The tweet also gained the attention of Martin Lewis himself, who replied: "Very kind of you to suggest it."
ITV confirmed that it had permanently cancelled The Jeremy Kyle Show this week, saying that the decision to end production on the show was made "given the gravity of recent events".
"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," the statement said.
"Everyone at ITV's thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Steve Dymond. The previously announced review of the episode of the show is under way and will continue.
"ITV will continue to work with Jeremy Kyle on other projects."
Before axing the show full-scale, ITV announced that it would be reassessing The Jeremy Kyle Show's aftercare process, but insisted staff had adhered to a "significant and detailed duty of care".
Meanwhile, Jeremy Kyle issued his own statement shortly after news of the show's cancellation had been confirmed, simply saying: "Myself and the production team are all utterly devastated."
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