Details have emerged of the behind-the-scenes conduct of production staff working on The Jeremy Kyle Show.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins oversaw a government inquiry into reality television.

MPs saw footage which was handed over to them from a whistleblower.

The inquiry was launched after one of the show's participants, Steve Dymond, died one week after he took part in the show.

Mr Collins, who chairs the Digital, Culture, Media and Sports Committee, said, "It is clear that once the cameras started rolling on The Jeremy Kyle Show there was no safe space for anyone in a highly distressed state, verified by the behind-the-scenes footage passed to the committee by a whistleblower.

"We've seen one contributor who was extremely upset take refuge backstage only to have a camera thrust in his face to capture him holding his head in his hands.

"We've also seen how Jeremy Kyle would use provocative and sometimes abusive language towards participants in the show, and that this could be edited out of the broadcasted show."

"We've shown this recording to expert advisers who are deeply concerned at ITV's apparent failure to prioritise the welfare of participants over the demands of the show, exploiting their vulnerability for the purpose of entertainment.

"What we've seen demonstrates a failure on the part of ITV Studios in its responsibility towards contributors and makes a mockery of the 'aftercare' it has claimed to provide."

Jeremy Kyle has been asked to appear before MPs to answer their questions, but has yet to do so.

ITV has since changed its guidelines on reality shows such as Kyle's who remains in a contract with ITV.

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