JEZZA FAILINGS
ITV accused of ‘corporate failure’ over Jeremy Kyle Show guests’ treatment by MPs
ITV was today accused of "corporate failure" over the treatment of guests on the Jeremy Kyle show.
MPs blasted the programme for not giving any "safe space" to participants in a probe into the show launched following the death of guest Steven Dymond, who died just days after he failed a love cheat lie detector test.
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The digital, culture, media and sport committee today said behind-the-scenes footage, passed onto them by a whistleblower, reinforced concerns that vulnerable guests would be hounded.
DCMS committee chairman Damian Collins said: "It is clear that once the cameras started rolling on The Jeremy Kyle Show there was no safe space for anyone in a highly distressed state, verified by the behind-the-scenes footage passed to the committee by a whistleblower."
He said that the footage showed the eponymous host would speak in a "derogatory manner" towards participants, using "provocative and sometimes abusive language" - which could then be edited out.
He added: "We’ve seen one contributor who was extremely upset take refuge backstage only to have a camera thrust in his face to capture him holding his head in his hands.
"What we’ve seen demonstrates a failure on the part of ITV studios in its responsibility towards contributors and makes a mockery of the ‘aftercare’ it has claimed to provide."
An ITV spokesperson said they could not comment on accusations based on the footage as they had not viewed it.
MPs launched the probe amid uproar at Mr Dymond’s death and the suicides of Love Island contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon.
LACK OF CARE
Expert advisers viewed the footage and expressed deep concerns at a level of "humiliation, denigration and provocation that a participant is subjected" to.
Kyle's hit daytime TV show was axed in May following the death of guest Steven Dymond, who died just days after he failed a love cheat lie detector test.
Steve, from Portsmouth, appeared on the show to try and convince fiancee Jane Callaghan that he hadn't been unfaithful.
But the couple split after he failed the lie detector test.
After the 63-year-old's death, it was claimed he had been sent home in a taxi two hours after he told an ITV researcher "i wish I was dead".
The dad-of-one, a machinery operator, was found dead in Portsmouth by his landlady just ten days after taking part in a recording for the show.
Love Island has come under increased scrutiny over the aftercare it offers following the deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis.
Ex-semi-pro footballer Mike was discovered dead in a park in Edmonton, North London, on March 16 with suicide notes next to his body after a cocaine and booze binge.
His death came after 32-year-old Sophie was discovered dead in June last year by her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, 25, who took his own life 20 days later.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
An ITV spokesperson said: "The physical and mental health of everyone we work with is our highest priority and ITV is committed to working across the industry - including with other broadcasters, PACT and our regulator Ofcom - to share best practice and continue to strengthen and evolve our Duty of Care processes.
"The participation of the public in television programmes has been right at the heart of TV since it began.
"We believe that these shows are all the better for the talent, energy and diversity of the members of the public who take part in them and we are committed to continuing to ensure that their welfare is also at the heart of what we do."
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An inquest opened last month into Steve's death and Detective Sergeant Marcus Mills, of Hampshire Police, told the hearing that the death was a suspected suicide.
The inquest regarding Steve's death was adjourned until November 21.
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If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116123
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