Jeremy Kyle Show axed by ITV after death of guest Steve Dymond

The Jeremy Kyle Show has been permanently cancelled after a guest reportedly took his own life.

ITV made the announcement this morning, confirming the show would not return following the death of Steve Dymond.

Following a meeting about the incident this afternoon, the digital, culture, media and sport committee (DCMS) has announced a parliamentary inquiry into the wider issues surrounding reality TV and duty of care.

A source told Sky News that staff at the show’s office in Salford were “in floods of tears” after hearing about its cancellation, saying: “It’s awful up there.”

In a statement, chief executive Carolyn McCall said: “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 broadcaster said it would continue to work with Kyle, who is yet to comment, on other projects.

The decision to launch an inquiry was announced by DCMS chairman Damian Collins, who said in a statement: “There needs to be an independent review of the duty of care TV companies have to participants in reality TV shows and the DCMS select committee has decided to hold an inquiry this summer into these issues.

“Programmes like The Jeremy Kyle Show risk putting people who might be vulnerable on to a public stage at a point in their lives when they are unable to foresee the consequences, either for themselves or their families.

“This kind of TV featuring members of the public attracts viewing figures in the millions but in return for ratings, the broadcasters must demonstrate their duty of care to the people whose personal lives are being exposed.

“With an increasing demand for this type of programming, we’ll be examining broadcasting regulation in this area – is it fit for purpose?”

ITV’s announcement comes after a huge public outcry and calls for the show to be axed.

Speaking to Sky News, media executive Greg Dyke said: “It was always a pretty unsavoury programme and it’s amazing it lasted 15 years.”

Shadow mental health minister Barbara Keeley told Sky News All Out Politics presenter Adam Boulton it was “clearly” the right decision to cancel the programme and that “serious questions” had to be asked.

The confrontational talk show was taken off air and initially suspended on Monday after news of Mr Dymond’s death emerged.

The 63-year-old’s body was found at an address in Grafton St, Portsmouth, on 9 May, a week after recording the show.

During the episode, which has not been aired and is now under review by ITV, he had taken a lie detector test to convince fiancee Jane Callaghan he had not been unfaithful, but was told he had failed.

It emerged on Tuesday that Mr Dymond had been the subject of an arrest warrant after he failed to attend a court hearing for non-payment of a fine.

Police have said his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Theresa May’s spokesman has described the incident as “deeply concerning”.

“Broadcasters and production companies have a responsibility for the mental health and wellbeing of participants and viewers of their programmes,” the prime minister’s spokesman said.

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

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Ofcom has described Mr Dymond’s death as “a very distressing case”.

A spokesman for the broadcasting watchdog said: “Although we can only assess content that has been broadcast, we are discussing this programme with ITV as a priority to understand what took place.”

Following Mr Dymond’s death, ITV issued a statement about the support in place for guests on the programme.

“Prior to the show a comprehensive assessment is carried out by the guest welfare team on all potential contributors,” it said.

“The guests are interviewed by guest welfare face-to-face at studios and prior to filming.

“Throughout filming, the participants are supported by the guest welfare team.

“After filming has ended, all guests are seen by a member of the guest welfare team.”

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(c) Sky News 2019: Jeremy Kyle Show axed by ITV after death of guest Steve Dymond