The producers of the Jeremy Kyle Show were ‘rejected meals’ if they didn’t put people on the show

Channel 4’s new documentary, Jeremy Kyle: Death on Daytime, shares the experiences of staff – who remain anonymous – working behind the scenes of the show, who claim they were pushed to ‘entice’ guests invited to join the show, it became increasingly difficult the longer the show ran on TV

A former producer on The Jeremy Kyle Show has claimed that she and others who worked on the ITV show were denied meals if they didn’t book guests on the show.

In a new Channel 4 documentary, the show’s behind-the-scenes staff have claimed they’ve been pushed to “get” guests into the show, which is becoming increasingly common. difficulty when the program runs on TV longer.

In several cases, producers have been accused of actively lying to get guests on the show – allegedly telling David Staniforth, from Clowne, that his wife wanted to reconcile with him on the show when he claimed he was not.

Former security guard Staniforth went on to assault his wife’s mistress on stage by headbutting him and later pleaded guilty to common assault in court in 2007.

While sentencing Staniforth, district judge Alan Berg blasted the show for the ‘bear lure’ guests and told Manchester Magistrates Court: “The circumstances of this case are exceptional and the provocation involved seems to be of paramount importance.

“I was unlucky to see the Jeremy Kyle Show and to me it seemed the whole point of it was to create a sick and depressing show of dysfunctional people in turmoil. something.”

He added: “The people responsible for this, namely the manufacturers, should, in my opinion, be on the same side as you, Mr. Staniforth.”

At the time, an ITV spokesperson defended herself about the judge’s remarks, stressing that they take the health of guests on set extremely seriously and that they have taken steps to say Make it clear to guests that “no act of violence will ever be tolerated”.

They added: “We want to make it clear that we do not share the District Judge’s views on the viewing public and those who choose to participate in our program in an attempt to resolve their issues.”

Opening about when they will book guests on the show, an unnamed staff member said: “Beggars and yearning to join the show… they are usually people with health problems. mental.

“We’re going to have to go through a mental health checklist with every guest to see if they’re okay to be on the show. The pressure to book tickets is so much that you often lie or sometimes leave out information. or important details.”

While another claimed that they regularly receive calls from guests threatening to kill themselves.

“Yes, almost weekly,” they declared. “There’s probably going to be two calls a week from people saying that, and it’s your job as a non-mental health professional to determine if they’re telling the truth. Who am I at my age? 21 to determine if someone wants to commit suicide and it’s like if you could make them almost be like ‘Oh I don’t want to’ that would sound like a sweet thing yes it could finally be played out wave and we didn’t waste any money.”

Another employee added: “If you don’t book a show in advance, you’ll be working until 4 or 5 a.m., every week, like any other night.”

Asked what would happen if they didn’t book everyone, they replied, “Well, then you’ll be fired.”

While another asserted: “We really are like lab rats. Sometimes you never leave your desk, 14:15 at that desk.”

A third also stated: “Let’s say you’re at work and it’s like 10 o’clock at night and you have nothing on your desk, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have time to rest, because they will have to order your tea. tea from one of the nearby restaurants. If you say we can drink tea we’re starving, the producer will say, no.”

The documentary’s director asked: “So you’re really not allowed to eat until you’ve booked?”

They replied, “Yes.”

The Jeremy Kyle Show ran for 14 years until ITV canceled it following the death of guest Steve Dymond, who failed a lie detector test on the show.

Later, a public inquiry organized by MPs pointed to talk show host Jeremy’s conduct over his “humiliating and demeaning” behavior towards guests.

The episode of Dymond was never aired on TV, although behind-the-scenes developments have been watched by the public, with guests coming in to reveal the emotional turmoil they say they have had to deal with. face after agreeing to appear in the program.

ITV said in a statement: “The Jeremy Kyle Show has been on the air for 14 years. During that time, over 20,000 people have joined the show seeking help with relationship issues or problems. dealing with problems related to drugs or alcohol The central purpose of the program is conflict resolution and the program has achieved many positive outcomes where people are able to work through personal problems.

“Jeremy Kyle Show has a broad and detailed mandate of care processes for contributors built over 14 years. It has a dedicated guest wellbeing team of healthcare professionals. mental health team with decades of experience in the NHS mental health sector, who focused on the well-being of guests throughout the production.The guest was supported by the program and the welfare team. before shooting, during and after shooting.If they require ongoing help then appropriate solutions will be found for them, which may include residential rehabilitation, consulting, management tantrums, family mediation, child access mediation or couples counseling.

“Due to the serious nature of the events of May 2019, namely the death of a guest a few days after joining the show, ITV has decided to end production of the show. It would not be appropriate to ITV’s further comment on that investigation will be held later this month.

“ITV does not accept the accusation that the center of this show is ‘bad culture’ within the production team. We note that the show includes anonymous former production members who identify themselves and others who have Do wrong without proof ITV will never tolerate any behavior Production staff misleading or lying to guests All Jeremy Kyle Show guests are aware of its nature of the show and the style of the presenter before taking part in the recording Most of those who applied to appear saw the show for themselves, agreeing to participate in writing.

“Since 2018, ITV has taken important steps in relation to its obligations to care for participants. ITV has issued new detailed guidance to all of its producers on the protection of participants. in October 2019. to be carried out by industry regulator Ofcom in 2021. ITV also ensures better regulatory oversight of participants’ welfare through its Care Board and has created a Advisory group mental health consultation involves mental health charities to advise ITV on its policies towards program staff and guests.”

Jeremy Kyle has been approached for a response about the series. He did not provide a statement for the broadcast.

* The Jeremy Kyle Show: Death on Daytime airs at 9pm on Sundays and Mondays on Channel 4

If you are struggling and need help and support, The Samaritans operates a toll-free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org if you’d like to write down how you feel.

For information on eating disorders, UK charity BEAT can help.