Roman Kemp is said to be putting together a documentary tackling male suicide that will air on BBC.
The topic is close to Roman’s heart as he was left heartbroken when his close friend and radio producer Joe Lyons died last year.
The pair had worked together at Capital FM, with Roman crediting Joe for ‘teaching him everything’ when it came to radio and telling fans he was left ‘devastated’ over the news.
At the time, Roman had reached out to anyone struggling with their mental health and urged them to reach out to someone.
It’s now been reported that he is working on a new documentary that will delve into why male suicide rates are so high, as well as mental health and will see Roman open up about losing his friend Joe – whose cause of death has not been confirmed.
Roman is hoping that his documentary will ‘make a difference’ to those who may be struggling and that it gives them the confidence to seek help.
A source told The Sun: ‘Roman now wants to send that message in a more formal way with a whole show dedicated to Joe, in the hope it helps others.’
‘With so many people isolating due to the pandemic and feeling detached from their normal lives and friends, it was felt this message of support could not come at a better time,’ they added.
‘[It] will hopefully make a difference to those who may well be experiencing similar feelings.’
Roman had addressed Joe’s death live on air in August, breaking down in tears as he remembered his pal, who he had worked alongside on Capital Breakfast.
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He told listeners: ‘We wanted to share some really sad news. I never thought I’d have to do this ever. Last Tuesday, very suddenly, we lost one of our best friends. Our producer Joe, he was a member of the Capital Breakfast family.
‘We are trying to process this all together. We wanted to share this news with you. Joe had worked for Global, the parent company, for nine years. He was the very first person I met when I walked through the door. I remember thinking he was a bit of a Del Boy.
‘He was with me right from my very first show. He taught me everything. I don’t know sitting in a radio studio without him. He’s the person I’d sit here and rinse constantly.’
Roman added in an Instagram tribute to Joe: ‘You taught me everything I know, I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for you sat by my side for the last 6 years. Pushing me and supporting me through everything. I can only hope I gave you the same love, loyalty and outrageous amounts of fun that you gave me.
‘You will always be my brother, my best mate and my partner. Everyday I’m missing seeing you and just wish I could show you how many people know you’re the best.
‘We were only just starting our adventure together but I’m going to take you along with me for the rest of it, flying that flag for the both of us. I love you more than I can ever explain. See you soon mate @producerjoe.’
He paid tribute to his friend by getting a tattoo of a bird, identical to one Joe had that he used to tease him over, on his leg in the same place Joe had his.
‘Joe had this tattoo and I always used to say it was awful and looked like a pigeon. So I got it in the same spot…’
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Roman’s rep.
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