Radio presenter and mental health advocate Roman Kemp might be preparing to leave the limelight - and his post-fame plans are hearteningly unselfish. Known chiefly for his presenting role on Capital breakfast show and as son of 80s iconic band Spandau Ballet's Martin Kemp, recently Roman has made significant strides in advocating for mental health awareness. His commitment to the cause became personal following the suicide of a close friend, Joe Lyons, propelling him to be open about the often-overlooked issue and premiering his own BBC Three documentary titled Roman Kemp: The Fight for Young Lives.
Lyons had been a stalwart at Global Radio for nine years prior to his tragic suicide in August 2020. A devastated Roman courageously used this loss to refocus the conversation around friends' roles in looking out for each other's mental health. He specifically emphasised the importance of men conversing about their emotions, confessing on This Morning that he was obliviously heartbroken over his friend's struggle.
"If I had been [a hero] he would be here", reports the Mirror . "I want people be a hero to their friend like I know I wasn't to mine. It's OK to look at yourself and think what more could I have done".
Having battled depression since adolescence himself, Roman also touched upon how he was advised by his mother to consult with a medical professional when he was just fifteen. In a candid chat with The Mirror, he shared how Ed Sheeran's words helped him through a tough tim.