Roman Kemp opens up on chats with Ed Sheeran which helped him through 'dark times'
16.10.2022 - 14:47
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Capital Breakfast host Roman Kemp has opened up about his ongoing struggle with his mental health.
Despite his cheerful chat on the radio every morning, which makes millions of people smile, the 29 year old has battled with depression for 15 years.
He believes that being open and talking about mental health "saved his life", and says that chatting to his pal Ed Sheeran helped him navigate through "the darkest of times".
The Mirror reports that Roman once came close to ending his own life but admits he was completely shocked when his best friend and Capital Radio producer, Joe Lyons, committed suicide last year.
For support, he turned to 80s pop icon parents Martin and Shirley Kemp, as well as his singer friend Ed.
They became firm friends after meeting on the music scene and later shared a hug in an advert for Capital Radio, with Roman donning a bear costume.
The singer even drew a tattoo for Roman, which he has on his leg. Ed also offered some valuable advice for when he was really struggling with his mental health.
Speaking during Mental Health Week, Roman said: "Ed told me there’s dirty water at the top and the more you let it flow it turns into clear water.
"Each time I speak about how I feel, the water gets clearer."
The I'm A Celeb finalist says he repeats this phrase over and over to himself whenever times are tough. Now, he's written a book about the importance of talking whilst trying to stay well.
In Are You Really Ok? Roman lifts the lid on how he was diagnosed with chemical depression when he was 15, his plans to take his own life before he entered the jungle in 2019 and his shock when Joe killed himself.
He didn't know that his friend was struggling, and it still makes him angry to think about it.
Roman, who was