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'I'm proud of what we do' says 'bear baiter' Jeremy Kyle

Last updated at 11:07am on 26.09.07

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Controversial: Kyle says he is 'proud' of his much criticised programme

Talk show host Jeremy Kyle has defended claims made by a judge that his programme amounts to 'bear baiting'.

Kyle said he was "proud" of the programme, despite an incident in which a guest headbutted a man having an affair with his wife during filming.

The host insists he is there to help rather than exploit his guests.

He said: "Sometimes people need to be stripped bare before they can be helped."

Kyle accepted that his approach divided public opinion, telling the Daily Mirror: "Some people will always think I've got the eyes of Satan. Others will think I'm a TV God. People have the right to criticise."

The self-appointed counsellor insisted his guests were regularly appreciative of his tough talking, described as "bear baiting".

"They'll see me at the end and say, 'I knew what you were going to say and I needed to hear it'.

"I'm not there to be liked. I'm there to tell the truth. If I've found out you're sleeping with your wife's sister, of course I'm not going to be your favourite person.

"Some people leave the show hating me for ever. But don't come on and ask for us to put you through rehab if you're not prepared to be pulled up on how your behaviour has affected your family, wife and kids.

Bear baiter? Kyle says some see him as a 'TV God'

He added: "Of course, I know there's a stigma attached to the show. But I am proud of what we do.

The father of two said his programme - which regularly attracts 1.5million viewers - offers support for guests after the cameras stop rolling.

"There's a lot more to it than people give us credit for. Me and my team work hard to help our guests with the support they need.

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Flashpoint: Larry Mahoney (left points at David Staniforth in front of his wife Jennifer... and Staniforth responds with a headbutt)

"We have a dedicated team of people who provide a fantastic aftercare service whether that is rehab or motivational counselling."

Dianne Nelmes, ITV director of daytime programming, said this week she "totally refuted" any allegation that violence by guests had been encouraged on the show.

She added: "We never actively encourage violence on the Jeremy Kyle Show. We can't show violence, it's against Ofcom regulations."