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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Jeremy Kyle Show security guard Big Steve lands job on RuPaul's Drag Race

The Jeremy Kyle Show 's security guard has landed himself a new gig on RuPaul 's Drag Race UK.

Big Steve - who was a fan favourite with viewers prior to the ITV show being taken off-air - is said to be working on the BBC Three smash-hit series and ensuring "filming is going smoothly" and everyone involved is kept safe.

His new TV job comes three years on from The Jeremy Kyle Show's cancellation by ITV in 2019, following a string of controversies attached to the former ratings winner and the death of participant Steve Dymond, 63, one week after an episode featuring him was filmed.

Throughout his time on the now-defunct controversial tabloid talk show, Big Steve's services were often required to restrain some guests on the infamous stage - alongside also offering some emotional support during some episodes.

Fan-favourite Big Steve is said to still be in contact with former colleague Jeremy Kyle (ITV)

Discussing his rumoured role on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, a TV insider has said: "Steve has been on hand to help make sure filming is going smoothly and everyone is super safe."

"He’s the best in the business and has had plenty of work since leaving Jeremy Kyle," they added to The Sun.

RuPaul's Drag Race UK is often praised for being a reality TV show with a positive impact, and routinely credited with helping extended conversations about sexuality, gender and LGBTQ+ issues to a mainstream audience.

RuPaul's Drag Race UK has been a hit for BBC Three since the first season premiered in 2019 (BBC/World of Wonder/Guy Levy)

The Mirror has approached the BBC for comment regarding this story.

Following his departure from The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019, Big Steve went on to work with Judge Rinder on his eponymous ITV show and formed a close friendship with the judge-turned-presenter.

Since The Jeremy Kyle Show's demise, the security guard is believed to have remained in contact with the presenter and show's counseller, Graham Stanier.

Big Steve's services were often required on the now-defunct ITV show (ITV)

Following a hiatus from TV and radio, Jeremy returned to the spotlight earlier this year - joining former Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan on Rupert Murdoch's latest venture, Talk TV.

"The radio show has done really well but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to host my own TV show, too," Jeremy explained ahead of his latest TV show airing on the new channel.

"That was the plan and it’s been something I’ve missed, but it had to be the right show at the right time with the right team.

The Jeremy Kyle Show frontman and counsellor Graham (ITV)

"And now it feels like I’ve found it. It feels a bit like I’ve found my broadcasting home."

Jeremy presented The Jeremy Kyle Show for 14 years prior to its axe in 2019 - gaining many critics and fans alike throughout his lengthy stint heading up the controversial show.

In 2017, the now-defunct show was labelled a "human form of bear baiting" by a judge after a participant on the programme David Staniforth, 45, was convicted of assault for headbutting bus driver Larry Mahoney, 39, during a row on stage.

The Jeremy Kyle Show was cancelled in 2009 following the suicide of participant Steve Dymond, 63, just one week after an episode featuring him was filmed for the ITV show.

Speaking in a statement earlier this year, Jeremy told The Sun : "I would like to reiterate my deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Mr Dymond.

"I've consistently maintained it would be inappropriate to discuss the tragic death of Steve Dymond before the legal inquest into it has concluded.

"Likewise, the false and damaging allegations made against me by Channel 4 are with the lawyers now.

"No doubt ITV will address the issues raised by Channel 4 around ITV's production of The Jeremy Kyle Show themselves, it would be wrong for me to speak on their behalf.

"Now is not the time to debate or discuss what is an ongoing legal process. When I can respond, I will."

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