Jeremy Kyle Show permanently axed following death of guest Steven Dymond

  • 15/05/2019

Warning: This article discusses mental health issues and may be distressing to some readers.

The Jeremy Kyle Show has been canned for good following the death of one of the programme's guests. 

Carolyn McCall, ITV's CEO, said: "Given the gravity of recent events we have decided to end production of The Jeremy Kyle Show." 

Steven Dymond, 62, was found dead on 9 May a week after filming the show. 

The grandfather was "humiliated and traumatised" by his appearance on the show according to Dymond's landlady, The Daily Mail reported. 

"He was distraught and devastated," she said.

"He was traumatised. Steve said it got quite nasty on the show."

According to The Sun, Dymond's ex-partner said she told him to "get his stuff and go" when the pair returned home from filming.

Dymond's sudden death, shortly after his episode was recorded, prompted deep concern about the production upholding broadcasting responsibilities.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May addressed calls for the show to be cancelled, saying through a spokesperson she was "deeply concerned" by the loss of life.

"Broadcasters and production companies have a responsibility for the mental health and well-being of participants and viewers of their programmes," the spokesperson said.

"We are clear they must have appropriate levels of support in place." 

ITV's statement in full:

 

"Given the gravity of recent events we have decided to end production of The Jeremy Kyle Show.

"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.

"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."

'Darkest point in their lives' 

 

The Jeremy Kyle Show began airing in 2005 and focused on the use of lie detectors, paternity tests and tough conversations to solve people's personal issues.

It has in the past been criticised for going too far, such as in 2014 when the UK Office of Communications (Ofcom) said it should have stepped in over a teenage guest's distress.

The 17-year-old girl failed a lie detector test and was judged to have stolen from her mother, leading to her sister tell her she was "finished" with her family, the Guardian reports.

The teenager was called a "crackhead" and "silly anorexic slapper" and accused of spending time in "crack dens" and sleeping with 33 men.

Ofcom said the teen showed clear signs of distress and ITV did not do enough to ensure the offence was justified by the context of the programme.

'That show has ruined my life'

 

A man who was dubbed the 'most hated Jeremy Kyle guest' on social media has opened up about his appearance on the show, saying it nearly claimed his life. 

Dwayne Davidson approached The Guardian after news broke of Dymond's death. 

"That show has ruined my life. It's evil," Davidson said.

The 27-year-old said he suffered years of abuse after his episode aired, citing mental health issues and an attempt to take his own life.

"It's the worst thing that has ever happened in my life," he said. "They put the spoon in and stirred around my whole life."

Davidson claimed producers manipulated and provoked him, keeping him confined in a room alone and pressuring him to sign a contract without giving him time to read it. 

"They're good at manipulating - it's almost magic what they do."

Where to find help and support:

Newshub.