The Jeremy Kyle Show was focused around one man - but he did have a faithful sidekick.
Presenter Jeremy Kyle was always joined in the studio by psychotherapist Graham Stanier, who served as Director of Aftercare on the controversial show before it was axed.
"I’m immensely proud of the work we do. We have had full shows of people coming back on the programme who have been successful in overcoming drug, alcohol or relationship problems, through the care that we have provided for them," Graham said in 2007.
After 14 years on air, The Jeremy Kyle show was taken off our screens in May 2019 following the tragic death of guest Steve Dymond and was then cancelled forever.
The 63-year-old had 'failed' a lie detector test, which are not 100% accurate, while trying to prove he had not been cheating on his fiancée and was sadly found dead at his home just days later.
Kyle said the production team were all "utterly devastated" by Steve's passing and sent their condolences to his grieving family and friends.
Graham, whose role was to advise guests backstage and support them away from the cameras, has remained close friends with Jeremy since the demise of the ITV show.
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They have been seeing each other regularly - celebrating Christmas together in 2019 and attending Jeremy's wedding to Vicky Burton in October 2021.
ITV bosses appeared in front of a House of Commons committee in June 2020 as part of an inquiry into reality TV organised by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Chairman Damian Collins said that Kyle himself declined to attend, but Graham appeared in front of the committee to answer questions from MPs.
Graham was asked whether he agreed with Jeremy's confrontational presentation style.
"That is the presenter's style," he replied. "I’m responsible for me and my behaviour. I can’t be responsible for the presenter’s behaviour.
"I’m responsible for me and for the guests. The responsibility for the presenter lies with production. I’m never comfortable with black and white statements."
The committee asked ITV chiefs about how participants were selected and how accurate lie detector tests were, as well as demanding details on documents that guests on reality TV shows are asked to sign.
A report to the DCMS committee, written by a clinical psychologist and a sociology professor, found Stanier "seems to have little prior knowledge of the participants' backgrounds, often failing to know their names, and in one example the sex of a baby.
"From a clinical perspective, it is not possible to see evidence of the necessary preparatory work that has been undertaken with respect to the psychological screening and wellbeing of the participants.'
It went on: "The role of 'Director of Aftercare', as witnessed here, seems to lack appropriate boundaries and appears to be undefined."
It concluded that "the needs of participants are not elevated over the needs of the show in relationships that can only be viewed as exploitative."
The found that Stanier "does not operate independently to the show" and acts in the interests of The Jeremy Kyle Show more than participants.
In response to the report, ITV said: "The physical and mental health of everyone we work with is our highest priority and ITV is committed to working across the industry - including with other broadcasters, Pact and our regulator Ofcom - to share best practice and continue to strengthen and evolve our Duty of Care processes.
"The participation of the public in television programmes has been right at the heart of TV since it began.
"We believe that these shows are all the better for the talent, energy and diversity of the members of the public who take part in them and we are committed to continuing to ensure that their welfare is also at the heart of what we do."
Jeremy isn't the only former colleague that Graham has been spending time with, as he has also reunited with the show's security guard 'Big Steve'.
The gentle giant was always ready on the sidelines to jump in to stop guests clashing or to provide a shoulder to cry on.
In December 2019, Graham posted a sweet selfie with Steve, who was wearing his usual security uniform, in what looked like a dressing room.
Confirming they'd had a reunion, Graham wrote: "Great catch up with our Steve today!"
Graham also wished Steve a happy 50th birthday in March last year and posted a snap of his former co-worker, who now works as a security guard on fellow ITV show Judge Rinder.
"Happy 50th Birthday to this beautiful human being," Graham captioned a sweet snap of Steve, who was wearing a black shirt with his name on.
Because this was during lockdown, Graham added: "The celebration is postponed but it will happen."
In February last year, it was revealed that Graham had been giving up his time to volunteer for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.
Graham, who now states his job as consultant psychotherapist, has been working hard to keep his community safe.
Taking to Instagram, he shared some snaps of himself dressed in a hi-vis, as well as a profile which showed he had already put in 701 hours of volunteering.
He captioned his post: "Supporting people in the community during lockdown. Getting involved. #rewarding #nhsvolunteerresponders #goodsam #nhs #covid19"
Graham received a lot of support from his followers, who praised him for supporting those working on the NHS front line.
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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