Working on The Jeremy Kyle Show 'scarred me for life'
A former researcher says people who work on the programme for a while "become desensitised" as ITV calls time on the talk show.
Wednesday 15 May 2019 22:30, UK
A former researcher on The Jeremy Kyle Show has told Sky News that working on the programme "completely scarred me for life".
The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, added that she "can't stomach to watch it" now.
She added: "For people who've worked on there for a while, I think you become immune to it. You desensitise yourself."
She was speaking on the day that ITV decided to axe The Jeremy Kyle Show for good.
Guest Steve Dymond reportedly took his own life after appearing on the programme.
The 63-year-old's body was found at an address in Portsmouth on 9 May, a week after the recording.
Student Babette Lucas-Marriott was in the audience when Mr Dymond appeared on the programme.
She told Sky News that Mr Dymond's "whole life just got ripped from him in front of us".
She added: "He'd lost his family, as a result of this [lie detector] test, and we were expected to watch and find it entertaining.
"The audience were shocked. The first two stories had been a lot of laughter, a lot of participation, but it just completely changed.
"People gasped and then just went silent. No one knew how to react."
Even before she heard that Mr Dymond had died, Ms Lucas-Marriott said she felt "very shaken having seen that and just uncomfortable and upset about it".
She continued: "The staff were like this big pantomime, encouraging everyone, really like loads of fun - big experience.
"But that just wasn't the reality when the real people came on stage."
A former guest on the show, Dwayne Davison, told Sky News that appearing on the programme had ruined his life.
He said: "I've lost jobs because of this, I've lost friends because of this, I've been assaulted in the street because of this.
"I constantly get people on social media websites calling me horrible names.
"It's ruined my life - it really has."
Following Mr Dymond's death, ITV issued a statement about the support in place for guests on the programme.
"Prior to the show a comprehensive assessment is carried out by the guest welfare team on all potential contributors," it said.
"The guests are interviewed by guest welfare face-to-face at studios and prior to filming.
"Throughout filming, the participants are supported by the guest welfare team.
"After filming has ended, all guests are seen by a member of the guest welfare team."
In a further statement, ITV chief executive Carolyn 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.
"Everyone at ITV's thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Steve Dymond."
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK