Jeremy Kyle Show to go Stateside

Controversial daytime TV host Jeremy Kyle is to take his show to the US, it was announced today.

The presenter, whose Jerry Springer-style shows have been branded "a form of human bear-baiting" in court, will record the shows later this year.

The US version of ITV1's Jeremy Kyle Show will be screened next year.

Kyle said today: "I am particularly looking forward to meeting ordinary American people and hearing about their extraordinary lives.

"This show isn't about me; it is about their issues and problems and how we can face them together - with complete honesty and openness - in front of US audiences."

Kyle began broadcasting on ITV when Trisha Goddard headed to Five. His confrontational programmes frequently feature families with difficult relationships and are often seen as an example of "broken Britain".

During a 2007 court case, after a guest headbutted a love rival who was also on the show, a judge claimed the programme was "human bear-baiting which goes under the guise of entertainment".

District Judge Alan Berg added: "It seems to me that the purpose of this show is to effect a morbid and depressing display of dysfunctional people whose lives are in turmoil."

However it continues to be hugely successful, with more than 1,000 episodes recorded and ratings showing it is the most-viewed daytime programme in the UK.

The US series will be made by the Los Angeles-based ITV Studios production team and the producer-distributor Debmar-Mercury.

Mort Marcus, co-president of Debmar-Mercury, said: "We're certain that Jeremy Kyle can conquer another continent.

"We believe American viewers, stations and advertisers will wholeheartedly embrace Jeremy Kyle, who is such a great talent and brings his unique sensibility to a proven format, in the new US version of this very popular series."