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15th Mar 2022

Jeremy Kyle breaks silence on explosive ‘Death on Daytime’ documentary

Laura Grainger

The final episode aired last night.

Jeremy Kyle has broken his silence on a Channel 4 exposé documentary exploring the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a guest on his former ITV show.

Death on Daytime takes a look at the 14-year run of the Jeremy Kyle Show and its 2019 cancellation following the suicide of Steve Dymond.

Steve had appeared on the show hoping to prove he didn’t cheat on his fiancée but subsequently died by suicide after a lie detector test suggested he had been unfaithful.

Former staff members claimed the talk show exploited its guests and their issues for views.

The documentary garnered a strong reaction on social media as viewers condemned the show’s production and Jeremy’s hosting of it.

The 56-year-old presenter has now responded to explosive documentary, insisting there are “two sides to every story” during a TalkRADIO appearance on Monday.

“Let’s just deal with the elephant in the room straight away – couple of texts already talking about a certain programme that was on television last night,” he said.

“Yes, I am fully aware. I will say only this, my friends, to you. I have maintained a consistent approach over the last three years.

“I have said that I will not comment on the tragic death of Steve Dymond until the legal process has finished and that is a position I will maintain.”

An inquest into Steve’s death is due to take place later this month.

“When – and trust me, there will be a time after the inquest, when it is right and proper for me to have my say, because there are of course two sides to every single story – I will do it here and I will do it to you, and that is the most important thing,” Jeremy continued.

“With the greatest of respect, I wanted to say that.”

ITV also responded in a statement to Channel 4.

The Jeremy Kyle Show was broadcast for 14 years,” the channel said. “In that time, more than 20,000 people took part in the show seeking help to resolve relationship issues, or to address drug or alcohol-related problems.

“The central purpose of the show was conflict resolution, and the show achieved many positive outcomes where people were able to resolve personal problems.

The Jeremy Kyle Show had extensive and detailed duty of care processes in place for contributors built up over 14 years. It had a dedicated guest welfare team of mental healthcare professionals with decades of experience in NHS mental healthcare, who were focused on the welfare of guests throughout the production process.

“Guests were supported by the programme and welfare teams prior to filming, throughout filming and after filming. Should they require ongoing help then appropriate solutions were found for them, which could include residential rehabilitation, counselling, anger management, family mediation, child access mediation or couples counselling.

“Due to the gravity of events in May 2019, namely the death of a guest a few days after taking part in the show, ITV decided to end production of the show. It would not be appropriate for ITV to comment further on that in advance of the inquest to be held later this month.”

The channel also rejected the documentary’s claims of exploitation and wrongdoing within the show’s production.

“ITV does not accept the central allegation of this programme of a ‘bad culture’ within the production team,” it said.

“We note that the programme includes anonymous former production members claiming wrongdoing by themselves and others, without supporting evidence. ITV would never condone any of its production staff misleading or lying to guests.

“All guests on the Jeremy Kyle Show were aware of the nature of the show and the presenter’s style before taking part in recording. Most of those who applied to appear watched the show themselves. All guests gave their informed consent, in writing, to take part.”

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article or just need to talk to someone, you can reach the Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.