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Roman Kemp says he considered suicide during 13-year depression battle

Watch: Roman Kemp says he was close to taking his own life

Roman Kemp has said he considered suicide amid a 13-year struggle with depression.

It comes as the Capital Radio DJ is fronting a new documentary on men's mental health after his friend Joe Lyons took his own life last year.

In the documentary he speaks to his mother, Wham! Singer Shirlie Holliman, about how he felt at that time.

Roman Kemp poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2020 in London on February 18, 2020. (Photo by Tolga AKMEN / AFP via Getty Images)
Roman Kemp poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2020 in London on 18 February, 2020. (Photo by Tolga AKMEN / AFP via Getty Images)

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“It’s really hard and it’s hard for me to tell you this," the 28-year-old says according to The Sun.

“That day I thought about going to the train station and jumping in front of a train. I’m sorry I never told you that.”

The publication reports Kemp also speaks about how his mental health was also affected by fears his fame is because of his father being Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp.

Martin Kemp, Shirlie Holliman and Roman Kemp arrives at the 2019 Global Awards art The Apollo Hammersmith. (Jamy / Barcroft Images via Getty Images)
Martin Kemp, Shirlie Holliman and Roman Kemp arrives at the 2019 Global Awards art The Apollo Hammersmith. (Jamy / Barcroft Images via Getty Images)

He says: “On everything: how I looked, what I was doing wrong workwise, ‘Am I doing my job because of who my dad is?, Am I being a good boyfriend?’.

“I remember saying to myself, ‘What’s the point? Why am I carrying on?’.”

In the BBC Three documentary Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency, Kemp will examine the issue of young men's mental health and investigate why increasing numbers are taking their own lives.

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He described the late Lyons as his "absolute brother" when addressing his death on his radio show last year.

Kemp said: "He was kind, caring, loved dogs, he was obsessed with his daily step count. He never ironed his clothes, he loved his family so much.”

He added: “He was playful, he was silly and that is how we are going to remember him and that is how we would like you to remember him.

“He’s my absolute brother and I never thought I would have to be doing this on the radio.”

Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency will air on BBC One at 9pm on Tuesday 16 March.

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For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.