Capital Radio presenter Roman Kemp has revealed the devastating phone call that continues to haunt him years after the tragic event, speaking candidly about how it fundamentally changed his perspective on life and mental health.
The popular broadcaster, known for his cheerful on-air presence, explained that receiving news of his best friend's suicide while live on air created a trauma that still affects him profoundly. "It's something that stays with you forever," Kemp confessed during a recent interview.
The Life-Changing Moment
Kemp described how he was in the middle of his radio show when he received the catastrophic news about his producer and close friend Joe Lyons. The shocking revelation came just hours after the two had shared laughs together, making the sudden loss even more difficult to process.
"You never expect to get that kind of call, especially when you're in the middle of entertaining thousands of listeners," Kemp shared. The experience forced him to continue his broadcast while dealing with overwhelming personal grief.
Mental Health Advocacy Born From Tragedy
This traumatic experience became the driving force behind Kemp's award-winning BBC documentary "Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency," which explored the mental health crisis among young men in Britain. The documentary received widespread praise for its honest approach to a difficult subject.
Kemp has since become a prominent voice in mental health awareness, using his platform to encourage open conversations about depression and suicide prevention. He emphasises that nobody is immune to mental health struggles, regardless of their public persona or apparent success.
Ongoing Impact and Personal Struggles
The radio host admits that the trauma continues to affect his daily life and how he approaches his relationships. "It makes you hyper-aware," he explained. "You find yourself constantly checking on people, worrying about the people you love."
Kemp also revealed his own battles with depression, highlighting how the experience made him more vulnerable to mental health challenges. He stresses the importance of seeking help and maintaining open dialogues about emotional wellbeing.
A Message of Hope and Awareness
Despite the ongoing pain, Kemp remains committed to using his experience to help others. He encourages anyone struggling to reach out and speak openly about their feelings, emphasising that support is always available.
"The most important thing I've learned is that we need to look out for each other," Kemp stated. "Sometimes the people who seem the strongest are fighting the hardest battles behind the scenes."
