The full inquest hearing into the death of Steve Dymond, who died of an overdose after appearing on the Jeremy Kyle Show, is set to begin on Tuesday. Mr. Dymond, from Portsmouth, Hampshire, is believed to have taken his own life seven days after filming for the ITV programme in May 2019. After being accused of cheating on his ex-fiancée Jane Callaghan, Mr. Dymond participated in a lie detector test for the show. The inquest is to resume at Winchester Coroner’s Court.
During a pre-inquest review, Claire Overman, representing Mr. Dymond’s brother and son, mentioned that Mr. Dymond was visibly distressed after the show, highlighting potential mental health concerns. Hampshire coroner Jason Pegg previously noted comments made by Jeremy Kyle, including labelling Mr. Dymond a “serial liar.” The scope of the inquest will encompass Mr. Dymond’s interactions on the show and in his personal life, focusing on the period from March 14 to May 9, 2019.
Rachel Spearing, counsel to the inquest, outlined that the examination will delve into Mr. Dymond’s mental health issues, his participation in the Jeremy Kyle Show, and the aftercare provided. She clarified that this is not a broad inquiry into reality television practices but will specifically scrutinize Mr. Dymond’s circumstances before his passing. The inquest has also been granted access to footage from a Channel 4 documentary related to Mr. Dymond’s death.
The coroner has identified Jeremy Kyle, members of Mr. Dymond’s family, ITV, and the deceased’s GP as interested persons in the inquest. The proceedings are expected to last until September 10 as they uncover the circumstances surrounding Mr. Dymond’s tragic demise.