Jeremy Kyle breaks silence on losing ITV show: ‘I felt hunted’

Leah Sinclair4 September 2021

Jeremy Kyle has broken his silence after the cancellation of his ITV show over a suspected suicide of a guest.

The Jeremy Kyle Show was axed in 2019 following guest Steve Dymond’s death just days after he recorded an episode.

Mr Kyle, 56, revealed he has been battling anxiety and depression which he has taken pills for ever since.

He told The Sun: "I was completely devastated at first and then I became completely demotivated. Every ounce of energy seemed to have gone and I just couldn’t bring myself to leave the house or even open the curtains.

"After Vic encouraged me I eventually did go to the doctor because of how low I was feeling — and I’ve never done that in my life. But it was the only way I could get myself through."

He added: “I’ve felt hunted and made out to be responsible for everything that ever took place around that show. But I was just the face of it.”

Mr Kyle said he’s “not embarrassed or ashamed” to say he has accepted help after being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Behind the scenes, he was struggling. He faced the cancellation of the American version of his show in 2013, being diagnosed with cancer, going through a public divorce, losing his mother and then losing his job in the UK.

The Jeremy Kyle Show was running on our screens for 17 series before it was cancelled.

Mr Dymond tragically died before his episode was due to premiere.

He took a lie detector in an attempt to convince his fiancée he had not cheated on her but they split after he “failed” the test, according to reports.

A preliminary inquest hearing was told Mr Dymond died of a morphine overdose and a heart problem at his home in Portsmouth, Hampshire; the inquest is ongoing.

In the wake of Mr Dymond’s death, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee held reviews and the decision was made to pull the show off the air for good.

Speaking out for the first time, Mr Kyle admitted the situation hit him “hard” as he acknowledged his critics saying he “got a taste of his own medicine”.

Earlier this year, Dame Carolyn McCall, chief executive of ITV, said there are no plans for Mr Kyle to return to the broadcaster.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, or visit a local Samaritans branch. See samaritans.org

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