Jeremy Kyle Show Canceled ‘For Good’ After Guest’s Death, ITV Says

Jeremy Kyle Show Canceled ‘For Good’ After Guest’s Death, ITV Says
The Jeremy Kyle Show. (The Jeremy Kyle Show/Youtube via CNN)

A British TV company has canceled a daytime talk show known for its tabloid style and rowdy confrontations after a guest died shortly after taping an episode.

Broadcaster ITV said it has permanently canceled production of the Jeremy Kyle Show, which had been running for 14 years.

Widely seen as the UK’s answer to the Jerry Springer Show, the Jeremy Kyle Show often featured feuding couples or friends accused of betrayal, with participants sometimes agreeing to lie detector tests in order to settle disputes. Results would be revealed in front of a baying studio audience, with occasionally violent consequences.

NTD Photo
A picture shows the logo of broadcaster ITV at their MediaCityUK studios in Salford, Greater Manchester, northwest England, on May 14, 2019. (Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images)

British lawmakers also announced Wednesday they will open an inquiry into reality TV after the death, as well as those of two former contestants on the Love Island show.

UK Parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee will look into whether shows give participants enough support during and after filming, and whether more regulation is needed.

The Jeremy Kyle Show participant, who has been identified as Steve Dymond, died a week after appearing on the show, ITV said.

Steve-Dymond-Facebook
Steve Dymond was found dead days after filming an episode of “The Jeremy Kyle Show.” His death is believed to be a suicide. (Steve Dymond/Facebook)

Emma Binning, at the ITV press office, told CNN Wednesday that the show would be canceled “for good,” and ITV CEO Carolyn McCall released a statement as a review of the long-running program continues.

“Given the gravity of recent events we have decided to end production of The Jeremy Kyle Show,” said McCall.

“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,” continued the statement.

CEO ITV Carolyn McCall
Dame Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive Officer from ITV-Broadcast attends the Grazia Culture and Commerce Luncheon during Advertising Week Europe 2016 at Fortnum & Mason in London, England on April 18, 2016. (Anthony Harvey/Getty Images for Advertising Week Europe)

ITV previously announced it would not screen the episode in which Dymond appeared.

The broadcaster said it will continue to work with Jeremy Kyle on other projects.

Death of Steve Dymond

The man found dead after appearing on “The Jeremy Kyle Show” is Steve Dymond, 63, who died in a suspected suicide, according to the Daily Mail, citing the deceased man’s landlady.

Dymond died following a lie detector test that he took on “The Jeremy Kyle Show,” which the Daily Mail reported had left the man “humiliated and traumatized.”

The lie detector test suggested Dymond had been unfaithful to his fiancée, Jane Callaghan, who later broke up with him.

According to The Sun, Dymond died of a drug overdose.

Callaghan told The Sun: “I know we split up a week ago but we were together for two years. He was still my fiancé. I still loved him.

“We got engaged Christmas Day 2017. He was crying, the love was real. He was the most generous and loving person. He was quietly struggling, and we didn’t know at the time. He cheated on me, I know he did. I can’t forgive but I just want him to be alive.”

Callaghan told The Sun Dymond had been struggling with depression.

Before his death, Dymond texted Callaghan to say he could not face life without her, according to The Sun, writing: “I can’t live without you. I just wanted to come and see you. I just wanted to say sorry before I go. My life is not worth living without you.”

The BBC reported Hampshire Police confirmed Dymond’s death on May 9 following a recording of the show.

His landlady, identified only by her first name, Shelley, found his body.

“He was traumatized,” Shelley told the Daily Mail. “Steve said it got quite nasty on the show. Four days later he was dead. I really believe it was the show that tipped him over the edge.”

Shelley added, “He was just a mess and he was just humiliated.”

Epoch Times reporter Tom Ozimek contributed to this article.

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