A former researcher on The Jeremy Kyle Show claims staff were told to put the phone down on vulnerable people who rang.
The woman, who does not want to be named, said one employee was told: “It is not our problem.”
The source said: “One woman who called was very upset and was sobbing on the phone.”
When efforts were made to comfort her, the producer allegedly said: “You are wasting time. Hang up on her,” and told her off for giving out the Samaritans’ number.
Jeremy Kyle guest who proves lie detector results are 'flawed'
She claimed the producer said the caller was so distressed she would not pass the ITV show’s “mental health tests” and therefore could not appear.
“We were advised not to waste time with people who were too vulnerable,” she said.
She also claimed guests were locked in separate rooms at the studio before filming and “riled up”.
She said: “The boyfriend would be in one room being reassured his partner is just insecure and crazy, while his girlfriend would be told that her partner was making her look a fool and had definitely cheated.”
ITV cancelled The Jeremy Kyle Show following the suspected suicide of guest Steve Dymond, 63, after he failed a lie detector test.
The Mirror has approached the channel for comment.
If you need to speak to someone, Samaritans are available 24/7 by calling 116 123
