The tragic death of Steve Dymond, a guest on The Jeremy Kyle Show, has been the subject of an inquest that revealed disturbing details about his final moments. Hampshire coroner Jason Pegg stated that while the show may have been a contributing factor, it was not the sole cause of Mr. Dymond’s suicide in May 2019.
Mr. Dymond, 63, was found dead just a week after appearing on the show and being accused of lying by the presenter, Jeremy Kyle. The inquest played clips from the episode, showing a visibly upset Mr. Dymond as he was subjected to a lie detector test and harsh words from Kyle.
In a statement, Jeremy Kyle expressed relief at being “exonerated” and having his name “finally cleared” in relation to Mr. Dymond’s death. However, Mr. Dymond’s son, Carl Woolley, criticized the show and its handling of the situation, stating that his father was treated brutally and in a distressing manner.
The coroner ultimately concluded that Mr. Dymond’s death was a result of a combination of factors, including an overdose and a heart condition. While the show may have added to his distress, it was not deemed the probable cause of his suicide.
The case has sparked discussions about the impact of reality TV on mental health and the responsibility of shows like The Jeremy Kyle Show in handling vulnerable guests. If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised in this story, support and advice are available through the BBC Action Line.
