Warning: This article discusses mental health issues and may be distressing to some readers.
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.
- Jeremy Kyle guest left show 'sobbing and distraught' before death
- Jeremy Kyle nearly broke his wrist chasing guest who stole DNA results
Dwayne Davidson approached The Guardian after fellow guest Steve Dymond was found dead one week after failing a lie detector test on the show.
UK broadcaster ITV, which has suspended The Jeremy Kyle Show and pulled the episode featuring Dymond, is now facing pressure to cancel the production altogether.
"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."
After texting into the show in hopes of setting the record straight on accusations of cheating from his partner, Davidson says a taxi was at his door "within an hour".
"You don't have time to think about it or phone your family," he said.
"Once you're at the hotel, you feel you have to do the show. My mum begged me not to go on."
Now working as a pub security guard, Davidson said he was fired from jobs due to the public reaction to his appearance, which was uploaded to YouTube and repeated on television over the years.
Davidson said the show's staff did follow up with two aftercare phone calls, but believes it isn't enough.
"When are they going to take it seriously?" he said. "Is it going to take more people to die for them to think maybe we are ruining people's lives?"
UK Prime Minister Theresa May has dubbed the death of Steve Dymond "deeply concerning", adding that "appropriate levels of support" should be in place for participants.
TVNZ, which broadcasts The Jeremy Kyle Show in New Zealand, has confirmed it will not air Dymond's episode, but will continue to show approved episodes for Kiwi audiences.
According to Stuff, the state owned broadcaster is in conversation with ITV about the incident.
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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