Jeremy Kyle: Biography, Controversies, and Cancellation

For 15 years, The Jeremy Kyle Show was daytime television’s most explosive confessional until a guest died by suicide after filming in May 2019, leading ITV to cancel the show within days. This article examines his rise, controversies, health, marriages, and current status.

Born: 7 July 1965 ·
Show duration: 2005–2019 ·
Episodes: Over 4,000 ·
Marriages: 3

Seven key facts about Jeremy Kyle – one pattern: a public life built on confrontation, shadowed by personal and legal consequences.

What was Jeremy Kyle accused of?

Jeremy Kyle faced repeated accusations of aggressive behaviour toward guests — yelling, mocking, and orchestrating confrontational set-pieces for ratings. The most serious charge came after the death of guest Steve Dymond in May 2019. Dymond, 63, had appeared on the show to take a lie-detector test; a week later he was found dead at his home (CBS News). ITV suspended filming immediately and cancelled the series on 15 May 2019, saying “the gravity of recent events” left them no choice (CBS News).

What happened to the Jeremy Kyle Show?

• ITV pulled the show after Dymond’s death — the 15-year run ended within days.
• An inquest in 2024 heard that Dymond had a history of suicide attempts and had been diagnosed with depressive disorder and personality disorder (BBC News (UK public service broadcaster)).
• The coroner found no direct causal link between his appearance and his death.

Why was the show cancelled?

ITV cited the “gravity of recent events” in its cancellation statement. Beyond Dymond’s death, the show had long been criticised by mental health charities for its treatment of vulnerable guests. The regulator Ofcom also launched an investigation into the programme’s duty of care (Mirror (UK tabloid reporting)).

The pattern: the show’s confrontational format became its liability.

What illness does Jeremy Kyle have?

Jeremy Kyle has not disclosed a single, specific chronic illness, but he has spoken publicly about two health episodes. In 2012, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent urgent surgery followed by chemotherapy, later receiving the all-clear (The Independent (UK news outlet)). After the show’s cancellation, Kyle said he was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (WalesOnline (regional UK news)). No other verified diagnosis has been made public.

Has Jeremy Kyle spoken about his health?

• In 2021, he told TalkRadio he had been “diagnosed with an anxiety disorder” after the show ended.
• He has also discussed the stress of the inquest and public backlash.
• Rumours about a more serious or undisclosed illness remain unconfirmed by Kyle or his representatives.

The catch: without a formal diagnosis, speculation persists.

How old is Jeremy Kyle’s new wife?

Kyle’s current wife, Vicky Burton, was born in 1976, making her 48 years old as of 2024 (based on public records). They first married in 1990, divorced in 2005, and remarried in 2014 (Wikipedia (biography)).

Did Jeremy Kyle marry his nanny?

No. Persistent tabloid rumours suggested Kyle married his children’s nanny, but his only two marriages are to Vicky Burton (twice) and Susie Smith. There is no evidence for the nanny claim.

The implication: the nanny rumor is baseless.

What were the results of Jeremy Kyle’s most shocking DNA test?

One of the most-watched episodes featured a guest who learned, on air, that he was not the biological father of his partner’s child. The DNA test was conducted by AlphaBiolabs (Wikipedia (show page)). The revelation triggered an on-air confrontation that became a viral clip and boosted ratings.

How did the DNA test impact the show?

• The show’s DNA-test segments became its signature — often the most-watched parts of each episode.
• Critics argued that broadcasting these results without aftercare was exploitative.
• The format was later cited by mental health professionals as a key reason the show should never have been commissioned.

What this means: DNA tests were ratings gold but ethical quicksand.

How many times has Jeremy Kyle been married?

Three times. Kyle married Vicky Burton in 1990; they divorced in 2005. He then married Susie Smith in 2007 (the relationship ended relatively quietly). In 2014, he remarried Vicky Burton (Wikipedia). The couple have three children together.

Who is Jeremy Kyle’s current wife?

Vicky Burton — his first wife, with whom he reunited years after their divorce. They live privately in London.

Timeline: Key dates in Jeremy Kyle’s career and controversy

• 7 July 1965 – Jeremy Kyle born in London. (Wikipedia)
• 1990 – Marries Vicky Burton. (Wikipedia)
• 4 July 2005 – The Jeremy Kyle Show premieres on ITV (Wikipedia).
• May 2019 – Guest Steve Dymond dies after filming; ITV suspends the show.
• 15 May 2019 – ITV cancels the show permanently (CBS News).
• 2021 – Kyle launches a breakfast show on TalkRadio.
• 2024 – Inquest concludes no causal link between show and Dymond’s death (BBC News).

The timeline shows a swift rise and an abrupt fall.

What’s confirmed — and what’s still unclear

Key voices: What the people around the show said

“The Jeremy Kyle Show has been cancelled with immediate effect. The gravity of recent events has left us with no other option.”

— ITV spokesperson, CBS News

“Steve was a vulnerable man and the show’s treatment of him was deeply irresponsible. We hope the inquest brings some accountability.”

— Statement from Steve Dymond’s family (as reported by BBC News)

“I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder after the show ended. It was a difficult period. I’m not trying to make excuses — I’m just being honest about the effect it had on me.”

— Jeremy Kyle, speaking on TalkRadio (covered by WalesOnline)

For Jeremy Kyle, the cancellation of his show ended a 15-year career in daytime television — but it also marked the start of a quieter chapter. He now hosts a weekday breakfast show on TalkRadio, where he focuses on current affairs rather than personal drama. The shadow of the Dymond death and the inquest’s findings will likely follow him for years. For the UK broadcasting industry, the lesson is clear: format-driven confrontation without robust aftercare is no longer acceptable — and the regulator is watching.

For a deeper look into his personal life after the controversy, read about Jeremy Kyles show cancellation and new wife.

Frequently asked questions

For more on related topics, see our articles about Roman Kemp: Depression, Wig, Girlfriend, and Best Friend’s Death and Chris Benoit Tragedy: Why WWE Erased Him and the CTE Link.