"With youth employment reaching the one million mark, funding opportunities for skills development is surely better than the soul destroying experience of sitting at home, watching Jeremy Kyle, on the dole, " he said.

BBC: Graduates to get gap-year money

Outside court, Lamb said he had enjoyed his time on the Jeremy Kyle programme.

BBC: Alister Lamb

Anthony Orchard QC, representing Mr Philpott, asked Ms Willis about the family's television appearance on ITV's The Jeremy Kyle Show and in a documentary with the MP Ann Widdecombe.

BBC: Child fire deaths: Michael Philpott 'hit mistress'