Jerry Springer: TV host who defined an era dies aged 79

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To play this video you need JavaScript enabled in your browser. < /figure>By Steven McIntoshEntertainment reporter

Jerry Springer, television presenter best known for his rowdy talk shows, has died aged 79.

The Jerry Springer Show, which ran for nearly three decades from 1991, introduced fights, flying chairs and the fringes of American society to an audience world.

Springer died peacefully at his Chicago home on Thursday, his publicists confirmed to BBC News.

Jene Galvin, a friend of Springer and spokesperson for the family, described him as "irreplaceable".

"Jerry's ability Connecting with people was central to his success in everything he tried, whether it was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a picture or a word," he said. - he declared.

"He is irreplaceable and his loss hurts enormously, but the memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on."

Springer's chat show has become a symbol of unscrupulous television over the course of nearly 5,000 episodes with its chaotic confrontation, swear words and revelations of infidelity.

< p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Chat show host Ricki Lake led the tributes on social media, writing: "I just wake up to the very sad news of the passing of my longtime rival and friend Jerry Springer. A lovely man. May he rest in peace."

The Broadcaster Piers Morgan described Springer as a "television icon and such a smart, warm, funny man".

"I loved working with him on AGT [America's Got Talent], I loved hanging out with him (we lived in the same hotel for two years), I loved arguing with him (he loved...