Kyle Signs On For More Chat With ITV
ITV has extended the contract of ‘chat show king’ Jeremy Kyle by two years, attempting to shore up its daytime schedule following the high profile departure of teatime favourite Paul O’Grady.
The extended contract follows a strong performance from the former radio host, which has seen him draw up to 1.8 million viewers with his daytime chat show, regularly securing a 30% share in the past three months.
Commenting on Kyle’s success, ITV’s director of television, Simon Shaps, said: “Jeremy and his show have surpassed everyone’s expectations and the team have great plans for the next series. He is simply a talk show star. He understands the issues and has a unique ability to deliver strong advice with complete compassion and empathy for the people who share their problems with him.”
Kyle’s extended contract follows Paul O’Grady’s departure from ITV earlier this month, following the broadcaster’s failure extend their deal with him. ITV management were reportedly left “ashen faced” by O’Grady’s resignation, which saw the presenter to defect to Channel 4 (see O’Grady Latest Chat Host To Leave ITV).
Prior to O’Grady’s departure, ITV saw daytime chat host Trisha Goddard switch allegiances to rival Five, with the high-profile presenter upping sticks in 2004, taking her format with her (see ITV Talk-Show Stalwart Jumps Ship To Five).
Looking forward to a longer career with ITV, Kyle was upbeat about the future, stating: “I felt at home as soon as I stepped into the ITV studios and this is a thrilling time for me. I am delighted to have renewed my contract and hope to continue my good work with the guests, exploring more issues and helping even more people with their problems for many more years to come.”
Kyle, whose style was once described by TV critic Charlie Brooker as “a one-man Good Cop/Bad Cop routine,” began his career hosting radio confession programmes in Birmingham, before moving to Manchester and later broadcasting nationally through Virgin Radio. The outspoken host currently presents Capital Confessions every Sunday on Capital FM.
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