A former producer on The Jeremy Kyle Show has claimed the lie detector tests carried out on the programme were “faked”.
The daytime show was axed by ITV on Wednesday following the death of one of its guests, Steve Dymond, who allegedly took his own life a week after failing a lie detector test on the programme.
However, one former crew member on the show has claimed that some of the test results were faked for dramatic effect.
Read more: Jeremy Kyle finally breaks his silence after his show is axed
It’s been alleged that producers were expected to decide the result themselves when the polygraph tests – which were conducted by a former FBI expert – would come back inconclusive.
Staff were also allegedly urged to invent facts about guests to “spice up” their stories.
The ex-producer told The Sun: “The show was an absolute circus. If a lie detector test was 50/50, it would be up to the producer to decide a result.
“There was massive pressure from above to just go with the most dramatic result — with no regard for the damage it could do to someone’s life. The culture was totally toxic.
“Guests were seen as assets to be exploited. If their stories weren’t interesting enough, we were expected to spice them up. If a guest denied any of our ‘facts’, Jeremy would call them a liar on air. It was brutal.”
Ent Daily has contacted ITV for comment.
On Thursday, host Jeremy Kyle said that he’s “utterly devastated” following the cancellation of his show.
In a statement to The Sun, he said: “Myself and the production team I have worked with for the last 14 years are all utterly devastated by the recent events.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Steve’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
Earlier this week, the show was taken off air and all past episodes removed from the ITV Hub following Steve’s death, before it was later confirmed the programme would not be returning.
Steve, a 63-year-old grandfather, had filmed for the show at the beginning of May, hoping to prove to his partner Jane that he had not been unfaithful.
Steve’s estranged wife Dianne Healing has since accused him of being a paedophile.
Read more: Dead Jeremy Kyle Show guest a paedophile, alleges estranged wife
Ms Healing claimed that he took his own life because he feared being exposed.
Ms Healing married Mr Dymond in 2004, but they split four months later, she claims, after he was arrested over allegations he was a paedophile.
He was reportedly questioned by police but not charged with any offence.
If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, contact Samaritans free on 116 123.
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.