No “clear connection” between Jeremy Kyle Show and guest’s death

A guest on the Jeremy Kyle Show has died as a result of relationship problems and mental health issues, according to a coroner.

Hampshire Coroner Jason Pegg said the show was a “possible” factor but not the “probable” cause of Steve Dymond's suicide in May 2019.

Mr Dymond, 63, from Gosport, Hampshire, was found dead a week after the presenter accused him of lying during filming of the former ITV chat show.

In a statement, Mr Kyle said he had been “vindicated” and his name had “finally been cleared”.

The coroner concluded it was suicide, saying: “There is no reliable evidence to suggest that Steve Dymond's appearance on The Jeremy Kyle Show is likely to have caused or contributed to his death.”

“Steve Dymond's participation in the show is one of several factors, and while it is possible that the nature of his experience contributed to his suffering, it is unlikely.”

The coroner found that Mr Dymond died from the combined effects of an overdose and heart disease.

Mr Dymond, who had previously attempted suicide several times, was found dead in a rented room in Portsmouth.

He had hoped that a lie detector test on the show would prove that he had not cheated on his partner Jane Callaghan, as the inquest in Winchester revealed.

In recorded footage of the hearing, Mr Kyle told the guest to “grow some hair” and said: “I wouldn't trust you with a chocolate chip cookie.”

In a key clip, Ms Callaghan sobbed and screamed as the results of a lie detector test were announced.

Mr Kyle said to Mr Dymond: “Just so you know, you have not answered every single question.”

The construction worker was filmed tearfully pleading: “I swear to God, I'm so honest… I wasn't unfaithful to her.”

According to the person in charge of Mr Dymond's lie detector test, the examination established that failing one question meant failing all questions.

Giving evidence to the inquiry, the television presenter denied “humiliating” Mr Dymond.

Mr Kyle said: “From the moment Steve Dymond came out, I called him 'mate', I called him 'mate'.

“I deescalated the situation, I calmed it down and pushed it into the background.

“And that’s what the show was about – conflict resolution.”

Mr Dymond's son, Carl Woolley, said the “only good thing” about his father's death was the cancellation of The Jeremy Kyle Show.

In a statement read outside the inquest by one of the family's lawyers, Mr Woolley said: 'It has been five years since my father died.

“In my opinion, anyone who watches the clips from the show would see that he burst into tears and that Jeremy Kyle treated him in the most brutal way.

“The coroner has determined that the lie detector test that Jeremy Kyle believes in so strongly can have an accuracy of 60 to 96 percent.”

In Jeremy Kyle's statement, a spokesman said: “His Majesty's Coroner has today clearly and unequivocally determined that Jeremy Kyle in no way caused or contributed to the tragic suicide of Steve Dymond.”

“He has now been acquitted of this baseless accusation and his name has finally been cleared.

“Out of respect for Mr Dymond's family and the legal process, Jeremy has always stressed that it would be inappropriate to discuss any details whilst the judicial investigation is still ongoing and he has remained steadfastly silent over the past five and a half years despite all the lies, false accusations and unjustified criticism.

“This has been a huge burden on him and his family and he would like to thank everyone who has really supported him during these difficult times.”

ITV said the coroner highlighted the show's “extensive” processes for selecting and looking after guests, including offering counselling to Mr Dymond.

In a statement, the broadcaster said: “ITV is committed to developing and strengthening the support we provide to all participants on our shows and we believe this sets industry-leading standards.”

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this story, you can get support and advice through the BBC Action Line.