British talk show canceled after guest who failed lie-detector test dies of apparent suicide
“The Jeremy Kyle Show,” a popular British tabloid program, has been canceled after a guest died shortly after a taping.
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British broadcasting ITV announced the news Wednesday in a statement. The decision came after a guest, Steven Dymond, was found dead in an apparent suicide about a week after taping an episode on infidelity. During the show, Dymond, 63, was given a polygraph test to prove he hadn't been unfaithful to his fiancée, Jane Callaghan, but he failed. The couple later split.
Callaghan told The Sun newspaper the show's team was "really persistent in offering him help ... They were brilliant. They were there when we needed help."
But she said her fiancé “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.”
As news of Dymond's death spread, many called for the show's cancellation, including several members of the Parliament, according to The Washington Post. Prime Minister Theresa May's office also weighed in, BBC News reported. The office wrote, "Broadcasters and production companies have a responsibility for the mental health and wellbeing of participants and viewers of their programmes."
After the widespread response, ITV pulled the plug.
"Given the gravity of recent events we have decided to end production of 'The Jeremy Kyle Show,' "Carolyn McCall, ITV's chief executive, said in a statement. "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 show was on the air for 14 years and coined as the British version of “The Jerry Springer Show.”
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Several viewers on Twitter commended the station’s decision to cancel the program, with some noting that the show’s content matter and format was rife for affecting guests with mental illness.
Praise the lord #itv cancelled that show...
— George Clarke (@MrGeorgeClarke) May 15, 2019
The #JeremyKyle Show must be cancelled forever. ITV describe it as known for its direct and feisty discussions" - in fact it's a cruel and cynical exploitation of mostly working class folks who trade their dignity for 5 seconds of fame. Disgusting. https://t.co/bkdNxGOqBi
— Nick Chowdrey (@nickchef88) May 13, 2019
Someone who worked on the #JeremyKyle show once told me they put guests in a nice hotel with a free bar the night before, encourage them to drink (knowing that as vunerable working class they'll be excited by free booze) because it makes them more fragile for filming. Awful show.
— Gina Martin (@ginamartin_uk) May 13, 2019
Others felt the decision was too harsh.
Why would they suspend it indefinitely though? Unless the show was somehow connected to the death... #JeremyKyle
— jodphurs (@jodphurs3) May 13, 2019
Some noted that other programs, like “Love Island” had not been canceled after reported deaths occurred after filming.
So they can take #jeremykyle off tv straight away because of a tragic death... But that shallow programme #loveisland still goes ahead after 2 deaths 🤔🙁🙄🤷♀️
— Emma (@emmajane1989x) May 13, 2019
Genuinely I can’t get my head around the double standards..#jeremykyle - 1 person in 15 years dies by suicide.. there’s an ENDLESS stream of venom from the press, public outrage & it’s taken off air#loveisland - 2 people die by suicide in a year... and that’s perfectly fine..
— Rebecca Jane (@LadyDetectives1) May 15, 2019
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
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