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Roman Kemp urges people 'struggling' with mental health to 'reach out' following death of Joe Lyons

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28:  Roman Kemp attends the National Television Awards 2020 at The O2 Arena on January 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Roman Kemp attends the National Television Awards 2020 at the O2 Arena in January. (David M Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

DJ and I’m A Celeb star Roman Kemp has urged anyone “struggling” with their mental health to “reach out” and talk after the death of his friend and colleague Joe Lyons.

The 27-year-old said there “is always someone that you can talk to” in an emotional plea on his weekly TV show Martin and Roman's Sunday Best.

Sat alongside musician dad Martin Kemp, he told viewers: “Before we can start with our usual show, you may have read that it's been an incredibly hard week for me personally.

Read more: Emotional Roman Kemp tearfully pays tribute to late friend and colleague Joe Lyons

“I lost my best friend, and I was completely devastated. His family, his friends, me, my family, my mum and dad know him very well... and I really want to make sure that I use this time right now to say that if you are struggling, then please know that you can reach out.

“There is always someone that you can talk to. Your family, friends, colleagues, or anyone... anyone from the support charities that are out there.

“At ITV, there is the mental wellness initiative called Britain Get Talking, which encourages all of us to reach out and talk to someone.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY)  Martin Kemp and Roman Kemp attend The BRIT Awards 2020 at The O2 Arena on February 18, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Redferns)
Martin Kemp and Roman Kemp at the Brit Awards 2020 in February. (Jim Dyson/Redferns)

“So, for more information and help, please visit itv.com/britaingettalking.”

Capital FM producer Lyons died unexpectedly earlier this month, prompting Kemp to take almost a week off from his usual breakfast slot.

Upon his return to the show on Monday 10 August, Kemp addressed listeners and paid an emotional tribute to Lyons.

Kemp said: “Last Tuesday, very suddenly, we lost one of our best friends. Our producer Joe, he was a member of the Capital Breakfast family.

“We are trying to process this all together. We wanted to share this news with you.

“He was the very first person I met when I walked through the door. I remember thinking he was a bit of a Del Boy.

Read more: Roman Kemp says Kate Garraway's plight 'puts life into perspective'

“He was with me right from my very first show. He taught me everything. I don’t know sitting in a radio studio without him.”

The cause of Lyons’s death has not been confirmed.

Martin and Roman's Sunday Best airs each Sunday from 8.30am on ITV. It can also be streamed now on the ITV Hub.

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