ROMAN Kemp has opened up about the heartbreaking reason he stepped down from his breakfast show gig at Capital.
The radio star presented his final show last Thursday and is due to be replaced by Jordan North.
Roman, 31, said the programme was a constant reminder of his best friend and colleague Joe 'Producer Joe' Lyons, who took his own life in 2020.
The presenter was told the heartbreaking news while he was at work, after colleagues visited Joe's home when he didn't show up for work.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror about the death of his tragic pal, he said: "It's not normal, imagine a tragedy happened in your house - you're going to want to move."
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He continued: "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."
Roman added: "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. 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."
Roman, who has been open about his own battle with depression and mental health, said he got to a point where he decided he needed to "leave it behind".
On his final show, Roman tearfully thanked fans and listeners for "saving his life".
He said: "You have been able to be there for me through things that I never imagined would even happen.
"I've had moments on this show where my whole life outside of work is completely down the pan.
"There were times where I didn't want to be here anymore.
"There have been moments where my life outside of this room has been the worst thing ever.
"I know a great life, but in my head that's how it felt.
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"I knew that all I had in my life were these four hours in my day where I could come to work and in those four hours I knew that I was going to laugh and have fun and be surrounded by people that get me and those four hours and those people that I'm talking about include you - the listeners."
The popular presenter revealed the news he was stepping down live on his show, which he co-hosts with Sian Welby and Chris Stark.
Reflecting on his time on the radio, he continued: "I know that it started out as me being just Martin Kemp’s son, I hope that now you can call me your friend."
It was revealed that BBC Radio 1 star Jordan North was signing a big money deal to join the Capital FM Breakfast team after quitting Radio 1.
Appearing on the show on February 21, North said: “I am beyond excited to be joining Global and to wake up the nation every morning on Capital.
"I can’t wait to start working with the amazing team here and get stuck in, to create the most fun and entertaining breakfast show.
"Getting to host Capital Breakfast has always been a dream of mine and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that I simply couldn’t turn down.”
