The rise and fall of Jeremy Kyle after tragic guest death

The Jeremy Kyle Show, which aired from 2005 until its cancellation on May 10, 2019, was a staple of ITV's daytime programming, attracting over a million viewers daily at its peak. The show was known for its confrontational style, often featuring guests undergoing lie detector tests, which became a hallmark of its format. Following the tragic death of guest Steve Dymond, who had failed a lie detector test, the show was abruptly taken off the air, leading to widespread scrutiny of Kyle's presenting style and the show's impact on its guests. During the inquest into Dymond's death, Kyle defended his approach, claiming he attempted to show empathy towards his guests. However, he faced criticism for his remarks to Dymond, including telling him to 'grow a pair of balls' and expressing distrust in him. The inquest revealed troubling details, including that Dymond had expressed feelings of despair before leaving the show, stating, 'I wish I was dead.' This raised questions about the show's responsibility for the mental well-being of its participants. Kyle's career, which began in local radio and included stints at Virgin Radio and Capital FM, saw him rise to fame as a household name in British television. Despite the cancellation of his show, ITV indicated a willingness to work with him on future projects. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the ethics of reality television and the treatment of vulnerable individuals on such platforms. The fallout from Dymond's death has led to increased scrutiny of reality TV formats and the responsibilities of producers and presenters. As the industry reflects on these events, the legacy of the Jeremy Kyle Show remains a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of sensationalist television.