Channel 4 doc to explore The Jeremy Kyle Show's history and sudden axe from ITV

Jeremy Kyle and his ‘agony uncle’ work on the popular ITV talk show will resurface in a new documentary about the “impact” of the programme.

Channel 4 has commissioned a new documentary series about The Jeremy Kyle Show, which was taken off air following the suspected suicide of guest Steve Dymond.

Construction worker Steve Dymond was found dead from a morphine overdose a week after flunking one of the programme’s lie detector tests he had taken to convinces his fiancee he had not cheated.

In the never-screened episode, host Kyle branded him a “serial liar” and said he “would not trust him with a chocolate button”.

Next month, the 55-year-old presenter will be called to give evidence at Mr Dymond’s inquest after a coroner ruled Kyle’s actions “may have caused or contributed” to his guest’s death.

But the host also now faces having every aspect of the programme analysed on TV by the makers of Jade: The Reality Star Who Changed Britain.

The series will be produced by Barry Ronan and directed by Kira Phillips whose other TV projects include Teachers Training To Kill and My Baby’s Life: Who Decides?

Producers aid the doc “aims to tell the wider story of The Jeremy Kyle Show, exploring the impact it had on British culture and the lives of those who appeared on it”.

Channel 4’s senior commissioning editor of factual, Alisa Pomeroy, said: “These award-winning programme-makers will undoubtedly explore some incredibly important issues raised by the making of these type of programmes.

“The film will also seek to explain why they had such mass appeal and generated a huge amount of social comment which still continues today.’”

Executive producer Graeme McAulay said: “We’re hoping this series will contribute to a greater public understanding of the impact and complexities involved in programmes like The Jeremy Kyle Show and explore why it continues to divide opinion.’”

Mr Dymond’s 2019 death led to the axing of the daytime show following a 14-year run.

After his appearance, the 63-year-old guest told his son, Carl, he had been “humiliated, taken for a mug and pounced on” by Kyle who was “constantly on him” and made him out to “be the baddy”.

“He felt embarrassed and made to feel like nothing,’” Carl said.

Mr Dymond, who had twice previously taken overdoses and medics said had “recurrent” suicidal thoughts, told his brother Leslie he “could not go on living”.

According to the Dymond family’s lawyers, Kyle “declined to give evidence” to a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry into broadcasters’ duty of care towards reality TV show guests launched after the tragedy.

TV watchdog Ofcom has since “recognised the need for greater protection for reality TV participants”, the lawyers added.

ITV recently announced contestants on the upcoming series of Love Island will be offered a minimum of eight therapy sessions on their return home.

All involved in the ITV2 reality TV series will also receive training on the impact of social media, “how to handle potential negativity” and financial management.

ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall has said there are no plans for Kyle to return to the broadcaster.

The presenter had not responded to a request for comment at the time of writing.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk