A former district judge from Manchester has appeared in Channel 4’s latest documentary series on The Jeremy Kyle Show some 15 years after describing it in court as the ‘human form of bear baiting’.
The Channel 4 documentary, which aired across two episodes this week, looks at the tragic impact of the daytime programme, which ran on ITV from 2005 until 2019. The show, filmed at Salford's MediaCity, was pulled following the death of Steve Dymond.
The 63-year-old construction worker had taken part in a lie-detector test to determine whether he had cheated on his ex-fiancee. The Channel 4 documentary saw former staff and guests making shock claims against The Jeremy Kyle Show, including comments that participants were often 'goaded and persuaded' into conflict on-screen by producers.
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During one 2007 episode of the ITV show, former security guard David Staniforth headbutted another participant following a row on stage, causing blood to pour out of his nose. The footage was never broadcast and Mr Staniforth was later taken to court over the incident.
Manchester district judge Alan Berg proceeded over the matters, where Mr Staniforth pleaded guilty to an offence of actual bodily harm. He was fined £300 plus £60 costs at the time, and later lost his job in security.
During court proceedings at the time, Judge Berg, from Altrincham, told Mr Staniforth: “The circumstances of this case are exceptional and the provocation involved seems to be paramount.
“I have had the misfortune of viewing The Jeremy Kyle Show, which is a human form of bear-baiting which goes under the guise of entertainment. The people responsible for this, namely the producers, should in my opinion be in the dock with you, Mr Staniforth."
The Mirror reports that, at the time, ITV defended themselves over the remarks made by the judge, insisting that they took the well-being of studio guests "extremely seriously" and took steps to make it clear to guests that "no violence is ever tolerated". The broadcaster added that it didn't share the same views as the judge.
What do you make of the show and the judge's comments? Have your say
Speaking to producers of the Channel 4 documentary, named Jeremy Kyle Show: Death On Daytime, Mr Berg recalled the sentencing: “I have dealt over the years with many thousands of cases but the odd one sticks in one’s mind. I recall Mr Staniforth coming in front of me, pleading guilty to an offence of actual bodily harm.
“I can remember specifically that I was quite hot under the collar after hearing the facts of this case. I told the court that I wasn't going to sentence whilst I was in heat and I made the decision to retire and consider matters carefully, and also to cool down. One should not pass sentence when one’s emotions are high.
“The whole thing was set up, in my view, to ensure that he reacted in some aggressive way. I mean, what on earth is he supposed to do? He lost it for a moment and that’s because of the terrible provocation.”
In the documentary, producers reveal to the former district judge that bosses at The Jeremy Kyle Show said the ‘central purpose of the show was conflict resolution’. In response, he said: “I am lost for words when you tell me that.
"What on earth are they doing putting a show on like that if not for public entertainment through provocation of one human being towards another human being? I hope Mr Staniforth rebuilds his life successfully, I think he deserves to. He went through plenty that morning.”
Mr Staniforth alleged in the documentary that he had been lied to by producers and they were often trying to wind him up. He also explained how he felt suicidal after taking part in the show.
Earlier this week, Jeremy Kyle addressed the Channel 4 documentary for the first time. On his talkRADIO drivetime show, the host said: "I have maintained a consistent approach over the last three years. I have said that I will not comment on the tragic death of Steve Dymond until the legal process is finished, and that is a position that I will maintain."
ITV also said it does not "accept the central allegation of this programme of a 'bad culture' within the production team". The broadcaster also added: "ITV would never condone any of its production staff misleading or lying to guests."
Jeremy Kyle Show: Death On Daytime is available to watch on All 4.
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