Ten years after landing his first big-time radio presenting job on Capital FM Roman Kemp has announced his departure from the airwaves.
The 31-year-old star of both TV and radio broke the heartbreaking news this morning (19 February) in an emotional statement.
Speaking on his daily Capital Breakfast Show, he told listeners: "I've got quite a big announcement, and it's one that is really weird to say out loud.
"Really odd. Really, really odd. If I'm totally honest, I have no idea how I even start this. So, I'm just going to come out and say it.
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"This is going to be my last, kind of, six weeks on Capital, which is a weird thing to say. This is the oddest moment I've had here on the show."
Becoming audibly emotional, Roman went on: "On this show alone and within Capital, the last eight and a half years of my life have just been so incredible.
"Being part of this machine have been the funniest, saddest, the most outright, kind of, wild time that I have had being part of Capital and the Global family.
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"When you set out to do a job of this magnitude, you never think that, one day, there will be a moment where you have to say goodbye."
Admitting he 'never thought' this time would come, he continued: "I'm not saying goodbye right now. I'm not going to leave the show today.
"But it's not far away."
Roman first joined the station in 2014 before going on to host his Capital Breakfast Show in 2017.
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Minutes after making the announcement live on air, Roman - who last year heavily hinted at taking a break from showbiz following a devastating health diagnosis - explained his decision in a written statement, posted to his personal X account.
Emphasising that this will be his last few weeks on Capital after a decade, the star insisted that the decision was not one he took lightly.
"Capital is my family," he wrote. "You as the wonderful listener have been there for me at my best, you've been there at my absolute lowest to pull me back to happiness."
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He went on: "Capital and Global Radio have made me the man I am, it is all I know. But I know now it's time for me to leave."
The radio favourite - who regularly uses his platform to remove taboos surrounding mental health - then said he'd like to hear from all the listeners he interacted with on air over the years.
Roman continued: "When I started this show, I was told to remember it's like a table at the pub with your friends and one chair is empty so the listener can come and join the laughs.
"Well now it's time for me to give my chair at the table to someone else. Lots of love, Ro x."
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Since then, hundreds of heartbroken messages and tributes have been flooding in from fans.
"Love listening into your show. All the best with everything, can’t wait to see what you do next!" one commented on his tear-jerking post.
Another wrote: "I have listened to Capital breakfast since I was at school and now tune in when getting my son ready in the mornings. Despite being 51 (and remembering you being born!) I enjoy the show just as much as I always have, you’ll be missed, best of luck xx."
A third penned: "I don’t think there will ever be a right time for you to leave for us listeners! You, Sian, and Chris brighten up my mornings and have made me laugh even when I’m having a bad day - thank you and good luck on your next venture."
Topics: Celebrity, TV And Film, Social media
Rhianna Benson