Roman Kemp reveals emotional reason why he quit radio show after 10 years

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

Roman Kemp has revealed the emotional reason as to why he quit his radio show after 10 years.

The Capital Breakfast star broke down in tears while saying an emotional goodbye in his final radio show last week (28 March).

Since then, the 31-year-old has opened up about the tragic reason behind his departure from the gig, saying it was like 'living that same day over and over again'.

He revealed part of the reason was down to his healing journey following the death of his close friend and former producer, Joe Lyons, who worked on the show with Roman when he tragically took his own life in 2020.

"I need this time for myself," Roman told The Mirror. "I've been at that company (Global) for ten years, on that show for seven now. I've tried to spin the plates and tried to do everything and I've realised it's getting in the way of my life."

He continued: "You can't enjoy your own life. If you think of a radio show, every day you've got to go out in front of the public and dance and every now and then you've got to give yourself a rest and I've not been doing that for myself.

"It came to that point of 'I need to leave this behind now'."

Going into some more detail about the reason behind his decision to say goodbye to Capital Breakfast, Roman carried on: "I actually think that a big decision in wanting to do it and wanting to move on and feeling like I need to close this chapter isn't anything to do with radio or the occupation.

"It's to do what happened for me. That sounds wild but I mean it, it's not normal, imagine a tragedy happened in your house you're going to want to move.

"The bosses at Capital know this and I said it, it's difficult, I went through such a horrible moment in that room in that studio, four years on and I've been living that same day over and over again, without the awful event."

He went on to admit: "For me, I'm quite ready to go 'OK, close that door now, don't keep going back living that horrible day over again'.

"That's sad that obviously affects me but it does. Every day I walk in there and I see Joe, that's a weird thing to do.

"I think it's going to be really good for me to move on with my life. I had an opportunity in my life, I can go and enjoy my life for a bit and I want to enjoy what I have achieved."

Roman, is set to be replaced by Radio 1's Jordan North who has since been replaced by Made in Chelsea's Jamie Laing.

He first announced he was departing from Capital Breakfast in February.

"I’ve loved every single moment of my time at Capital," Roman said. "The last 10 years have been amazing and hosting the legendary Capital Breakfast is the best job ever.

"But after almost seven years of early alarms, I’m looking forward to some lie-ins and it’s time to hand over the baton!"

Roman added: "It’s been a privilege and an honour to wake up millions of people every day.

"It’s the best job in radio and I’ll miss our listeners and the team at Global lots.

"Whoever the next host of Capital Breakfast is, they’re in for the most incredible ride."

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.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.