Five years after ITV’s controversial daytime program The Jeremy Kyle Show was canceled following the tragic death of guest Steve Dymond, an inquest has concluded that there was no “clear and reliable causal connection” between his appearance on the show and his subsequent suicide.
The show, which had been one of ITV’s most popular yet divisive programs for 14 years, was abruptly pulled off air in 2019 after Dymond, 63, was found dead a week after filming. During his appearance, he failed a lie detector test meant to determine whether he had been unfaithful to his partner, leading to an emotionally charged episode.
Known for its confrontational style, The Jeremy Kyle Show often featured heated disputes between family members, partners, and exes on topics such as breakups, addiction, and parenting. Host Jeremy Kyle adopted a combative approach, regularly berating participants, which contributed to the show’s notoriety.
At Dymond’s inquest, it was revealed that he was left “broken” and “distraught” after filming, with Kyle allegedly telling him to “grow a pair” and “I wouldn’t trust you with a chocolate button.” Kyle even encouraged the live audience to boo Dymond following his failed polygraph.
Despite this, the coroner ruled that the show was not a “contributory factor” to Dymond’s death, though he did note that the show may have been “one of a number of factors” contributing to Dymond’s distress. The inquest also heard that Dymond had a history of suicide attempts and had been diagnosed with both depression and a personality disorder.
Following the coroner’s verdict, Kyle said he felt “exonerated.” However, at the time of Dymond’s death, the show faced intense criticism over its style and ITV’s duty of care toward participants. The program had previously been condemned, with a 2007 judge describing it as “human bear-baiting under the guise of entertainment.”
The fallout from Dymond’s death led to a public outcry and sparked a review of ITV’s welfare protocols. ITV executives later admitted that polygraphs used on the show, which played a key role in many episodes, were “not 100% accurate” and that they were unsure of their reliability.
ITV defended its actions during the inquest, saying Dymond underwent “continuous assessment” before his appearance and was offered up to 10 sessions of therapy for self-esteem and confidence building after the show. They maintained that comprehensive duty of care processes were in place during and after filming.
Following Dymond’s death, The Jeremy Kyle Show became a catalyst for change in the TV industry, pushing broadcasters to introduce stricter welfare guidelines. In 2021, Ofcom introduced new rules to protect vulnerable participants, particularly those with mental health issues, ensuring they receive proper support before, during, and after filming.
The tragedy also prompted changes to other reality programs like Love Island, which now provides contestants with training on handling social media negativity, following the deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis. Shows like Strictly Come Dancing have also introduced measures to improve welfare after complaints about inappropriate behavior.
Dr. Charlotte Armitage, a psychologist specializing in TV, acknowledged the progress being made but emphasized that more needs to be done. She called for updated guidelines and specialized training for TV mental health practitioners to ensure participants receive the right level of psychological care.
While the inquest has brought some closure, it also highlights the ongoing need for reform in the industry. Five years after Dymond’s death, the TV landscape continues to evolve, with welfare becoming an increasing priority in entertainment production.
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