A leaked email from ITV bosses has revealed the Jeremy Kyle Show was taken off air 'to protect the show and production team' from the reaction to a guest's suspected suicide.
The controversial show was suspended suddenly yesterday (Monday, May 13), after which chief executive Carolyn McCall sent a message to employees.
All episodesof the show have disappeared from ITV's back catalogue, pending a review of the circumstances surrounding the death of 62-year-old Steve Dymond, Manchester Evening News reports.
He was found dead at his home in Gosport, Hampshire, days after appearing on the Jeremy Kyle show which is filmed in Salford.
ITV Jeremy Kyle Show guest Steve Dymond 'died after failing lie detector'
During the show, which will not be aired, it is understood Steve defended accusations he was unfaithful to fiancée Jane Callaghan but failed a lie detector test.
Friends say he was left devastated and feared he would take his own life.
Earlier today, BuzzFeed journalist Mark Di Stefano tweeted an email from Carolyn McCall explaining that the decision to axe Jeremy Kyle was "not in any way a reflection on the show, but the best way we think we can protect the show and the production team from the reaction we expect to this death."
She added that a review will be completed "as soon as we can" and that staff involved are being offered the support of counsellors.
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Some felt the statement lacked empathy for Mr Dymond.
One tweeted: "Who knew there was such thing as the moral lowground?"
In a statement issued on Monday, ITV said: "Everyone is shocked and saddened at the news of the death of a participant in the show.
"ITV will not screen the episode in which they featured.
"ITV has also decided to suspend both filming and broadcasting of The Jeremy Kyle Show with immediate effect in order to give it time to conduct a review of this."
Pal Michael Bradley claimed Mr Dymond had felt confident he would pass the lie detector test and be vindicated, the Mirror reports.
Mr Bradley said his friend told his landlady ‘I’ve had enough, I’m going to kill myself.'
"He failed the lie detector test but was adamant he hadn’t done anything wrong, saying, ‘I’ll come up with flying colours, I’ve never cheated on her'," said Mr Bradley.
"He got made out to be wrong but he wasn’t. Those lie detector tests aren’t 100%."
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A celebrity edition of the show starring former X Factor contestant Christopher Maloney and ex-EastEnders actress Danniella Westbrook was due to air on Tuesday, but will be rescheduled, according to both stars.
The tabloid talk show sees host Kyle and psychotherapist Graham Stanier help the guests talk through their personal issues in front of a studio audience.
The programme has had its regular daytime morning slot on ITV since 2005.
Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org .
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying. http://studentsagainstdepression.org/
The Sanctuary (0300 003 7029 ) helps people who are struggling to cope - experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks or in crisis. You can call them between 8pm and 6am every night.
