REALITY CHECK
Reality TV bosses face investigation from MPs after Jeremy Kyle and Love Island deaths
A powerful Commons committee could slap tougher new laws on TV chiefs
REALITY TV bosses face a House of Commons probe after The Jeremy Kyle Show was axed, it emerged today.
Top MPs will investigate whether telly shows are endangering participants by failing to support those with mental health issues.
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Mr Kyle's long-running chat show was cancelled today, after a guest died following his appearance on the programme.
Depressed Steve Dymond, 63, failed a lie detector test on the show and subsequently split from his girlfriend before a fatal drug overdose.
In the past year, two Love Island stars - Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis - took their own lives after struggling with fame.
Today the powerful Commons committee announced it would probe whether there's a systematic problem with reality TV.
Parliament's digital, culture, media and sport committee could recommend a legal crackdown on TV producers following the triple tragedy.
Chairman Damian Collins said: "There needs to be an independent review of the duty of care TV companies have to participants in reality TV shows and the DCMS select committee has decided to hold an inquiry this summer into these issues.
“Programmes like The Jeremy Kyle Show risk 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, either for themselves or their families.
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"This kind of TV featuring members of the public attracts viewing figures in the millions but in return for ratings, the broadcasters must demonstrate their duty of care to the people whose personal lives are being exposed."
The MPs on the committee may recommend further curbs on channels from the broadcast regulator Ofcom.
Yesterday Theresa May revealed she was concerned by the recent string of tragedies and called on producers to take action.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Kyle Show staff have suddenly found themselves scrambling for jobs with "no support from the show" after it was axed.
A source told us: "Some of the staff involved in the production of that specific episode are shaken up by the whole thing.
"They worked with Steve and all of a sudden the tragedy happened and they're left looking for work.
"They've not had any support either."
Fiancée of Jeremy Kyle guest who died a week after being ‘humiliated’ by failed show lie detector test speaks out on loss and heartbreak
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