Jeremy Kyle Show ‘producers were given CHAMPAGNE for episodes that had lie detector tests or where guests ‘kicked-off’ while staff feared the sack if their programme was too tame’
- Controversial show’s episodes were said to have been graded by bosses
- More dramatic programmes scored higher than tamer or boring broadcasts
- Staff who had worked on A grade shows ‘were given champagne’ as thanks
Bosses on the Jeremy Kyle Show marked shows for content, including how much conflict there was – allegedly scoring them from A to D and giving champagne to staff who made the best programmes.
A whistleblower is reported as claiming the GCSE-style markings awarded higher grades for episodes with more action and shouting and showed people ‘kicking off’.
According to the Daily Star, the insider alleged the ‘D’ shows would have little energy and guests who struggled who articulate how they were feeling.
It was also claimed issues that ran from longer and involved the controversial lie detector test would also rate higher with some management.
A whistleblower alleged to the newspaper: ‘An “A” show would be a high conflict show – not physical, but something where it goes off.
‘There’s lots of storming around the studio, lots of heightened emotions, lots of shouting – when they come on and they are immediately kicking off.
Jeremy Kyle, 55, and his show were cancelled after the death of a guest on the programme
Steve Dymond, 63, was found dead from a morphine overdose in his home in Portsmouth
‘A “D” would be low energy, low conflict, poor talkers who couldn’t really express what they were trying to say.’
They added that producers feared the sack if the programmes they made were not entertaining.
The controversial show was axed in 2019 after the suspected suicide of guest Steve Dymond.
Construction worker Mr Dymond, 63, was found dead from a morphine overdose in his home in Portsmouth, Hants.
It came after he was filmed on the show and ‘humiliated’ after a lie detector test suggested he had cheated on his partner. Mr Dymond said that he had remained faithful and had not cheated.
The programme never aired but the devastating news prompted the cancellation of the show and a slew of previous guests to come forward alleging bad treatment.
Kyle is listed as an interested part in the forthcoming inquest into Mr Dymond’s death
An inquest is due to be held on Mr Dymond’s death in July which will look at the circumstances surrounding his death. Kyle, 55, is listed as an interested party.
A ruling seen by MailOnline last year revealed Kyle had told him he ‘would not trust him with a chocolate button’ and added ‘has anyone got a shovel?’.
The coroner wrote: ‘I have had the opportunity to view the ‘Jeremy Kyle Show’ episode featuring the deceased.
‘In that footage it is apparent that Jeremy Kyle was aware that the deceased had previously been unable to appear on the “Jeremy Kyle Show” having been diagnosed with depression for which the deceased had been prescribed antidepressant medication.
‘After the lie detector results the deceased looked visibly upset. Jeremy Kyle adopted an approach where he called the deceased a ‘serial liar’; that he ‘would not trust him with a chocolate button’; and made a comment, ‘has anyone got a shovel?’
‘Carl Woolley, son of the deceased, says in his statement that his father had stated soon after the filming of the episode that, “He had been humiliated, taken for a mug and pounced on by the presenter”.
‘The following day the deceased told his son that he had, “Been made out to be the baddy and that Jeremy Kyle was constantly on him. He felt embarrassed and made to feel like nothing”.’
Last night ITV told the Daily Star: ‘We have introduced our own Duty of Care charter and published guidance to producers.’
MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.
Advertisement
