Roman Kemp plans to quit showbiz after receiving devastating health diagnosis
In a society where taboos surrounding mental health are slowly and rightfully being broken down, radio presenter Roman Kemp is paving the way for wellbeing advocacy.
Despite being best known as the Capital FM frontman, Roman, 30, has spent recent years focussing on his position as a mental health advocate.
Roman - who himself has battled depression since being a teenager - also disclosed another health condition last year, however - triggered by his hectic work schedule, which he had predominantly kept under wraps.
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Admitting in 2022 that he'll likely ditch showbiz sometime within the next five years after receiving a devastating sleep apnoea diagnosis, a condition which causes a person's breathing to stop and start while sleeping.
It also means Roman has to wear an oxygen mask to bed.
"My tiredness levels were debilitating," he previously told the Mail Online. "And they said to me it was because of my job and I said this is different.
"I was talking with people where I thought I was verging on narcolepsy because I was mid-conversation and would be snoring and not realising, it was very strange."
Roman then joked, "The doctors told me I must wear an oxygen mask. There is absolutely nothing sexy about going back to Roman Kemp's house," before claiming he'd love to enjoy a full decade on air.
"I would love to be able to say I did a decade on that show," he said of his Capital FM gig. "Whether my bosses will allow that I don't know."
He said of his future plans: "I want to be a stay-at-home dad and open a dog sanctuary."
Roman has always been an open book when it comes to his health - both mental and physical - and believes that professing total honesty is the best way to live.
With that in mind, BBC Three viewers last night witnessed the talented star break down in tears, when recalling the tragic suicide of his late friend and Global colleague, Joe Lyons.
Speaking on his self-fronted documentary The Fight for Young Lives, the usually spritely television star was seen to be heartbroken as he recalled his friend's unexpected death in August 2020, admitting he never saw it coming.
On the show, Roman courageously opened up about the power of friends looking out for one another and ponders the possibility that there is a worsening mental health crisis amongst youngsters in the UK.
He previously discussed Joe's death during an appearance on This Morning, telling viewers: "If I had been [a hero] he would be here.
"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".
Roman also released a mental health advocacy book titled Are You Really OK? last year, in which he pledged to break down taboos.
"If me opening up saves someone from taking their own life, it’s worth it," a quote from Roman reads. "I promise it’s not all heavy going or doom and gloom… there will be a few moments that make you laugh along the way.
"I just hope that by talking openly and honestly about my life, other young guys like me, guys like the ones you might know, and live with and love, might realise it’s OK to speak out about how they really feel."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123
Topics: Mental Health, Documentaries, BBC, Health
Rhianna Benson