ITV has permanently cancelled The Jeremy Kyle Show following the death of participant Steve Dymond, who died after failing a lie-detector test on the programme. The broadcaster's chief executive, Carolyn McCall, confirmed the decision, stating that the show would not return.
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.' She added that ITV's thoughts were with Dymond's family and friends.
The show had been taken off air on Monday after Dymond's death. ITV initially said it was pausing production to 'protect the show', but faced pressure from Downing Street, MPs and mental health charities. Former participants have alleged they were manipulated by producers and that negative portrayals led to suicide attempts.
Dymond, 63, appeared on the show after his fiancée accused him of infidelity. An audience member said he was emotional and collapsed when told he had failed the polygraph test. The couple split, and Dymond was found dead days later. Police are not treating the death as suspicious.
The cancellation comes amid scrutiny of aftercare for reality TV participants, with ITV already facing questions over support for Love Island contestants following several suicides. The broadcaster said it is reviewing the unaired episode featuring Dymond.
