Jeremy Kyle ‘utterly devastated’ after show axed
Written by News on 17/05/2019
Jeremy Kyle has said he is “utterly devastated” after the cancellation of his daytime show.
ITV axed The Jeremy Kyle Show after the suspected suicide of Steve Dymond, 63, a guest who had tried to prove to his fiance that he had not cheated on her.
Mr Dymond failed a lie detector test, the couple split up, and he was found dead 10 days later.
Kyle, 53, told The Sun: “Myself and the production team I have worked with for the last 14 years are all utterly devastated by the recent events.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Steve’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
ITV had already faced criticism following the deaths of former Love Island stars Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon.
Gradon, 32, hanged herself last year after drinking alcohol and taking cocaine, a coroner concluded in April. An inquest into Thalassitis’s death is yet to take place.
On Wednesday, MPs announced an inquiry into reality TV shows and duty of care, saying the genre “risk(s) 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”.
In a statement, ITV 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.”
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The broadcaster said it would continue to work with Kyle on other projects.
Kyle has reportedly already set up his own company – Hales Media Limited – with girlfriend Vicky Burton.
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
(c) Sky News 2019: Jeremy Kyle ‘utterly devastated’ after show axed
