Roman Kemp feels responsible after his friend Joe’s suicide and reveals: “I live with a curse now”

Roman Kemp has urged people to check on their friends even when everything seems fine, as he opened up about the tragic loss of his close friend Joe Lyons.

The radio presenter revealed that he feels responsible for his friend’s suicide and believes it wouldn’t have happened if he had managed to have a conversation with Joe beforehand: “I take responsibility now.”

Joe, who was a producer at Global Radio for nine years, died by suicide in August 2020 and Roman has since dedicated himself to working on suicide prevention.

In a passionate conversation with Mylene Klass on her podcast They Don’t Teach This At School, he said: “It’s very easy for me to say, ‘My friends are upset about what they see on social media, that’s why.’ “My friend killed himself.”

“No, realistically my friend killed himself because I didn’t actually see anything and as a friend I didn’t question it.”

Candid: Roman Kemp revealed he feels responsible for his friend Joe’s suicide and is now “living with a curse” while appearing on Mylene Klass’ They Don’t Teach This At School podcast

Heartbreak: Joe, who was a producer at Global Radio for nine years, died by suicide in August 2020 and Roman has since dedicated himself to working on suicide prevention

Myleene interrupted Roman as she asked, “Is that how you see it, Roman?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” the star admitted.

“All I can tell you is that if I had spoken to Joe, I know for a fact that this would never have happened. That wouldn’t be the case. I wouldn’t be here talking to you about it.

“I know that in my heart, I know that and that’s why at some point, be it one percent, I have to take some form of responsibility.”

“Joe did what he did and that’s fine, but next time I’m going to make damn sure it doesn’t happen again and I’m taking responsibility now.”

Myleene sounded annoyed as she said to Roman, “It breaks my heart to see a boy like you take so much responsibility for something that feels completely out of your control.”

“But it’s reality,” Roman insisted.

“It’s stupid to believe that people who kill themselves will kill themselves.” That it has nothing to do with you but with them, no.

Truth be told: The radio host revealed that he takes responsibility for his friend’s death and believes it wouldn’t have happened if he had managed to have a conversation with Joe beforehand

Upset: “It breaks my heart to see a boy like you take so much responsibility for something that feels completely out of your control,” Myleene said

“You can help them.” You can save their life and it’s up to you as a friend.

“I now live with a curse that I have to carry with me.” That thing with me became, “Oh, there’s Roman talking about suicide.” And that’s a difficult topic to talk about. “

Roman’s new book Are You Really OK? He is seen grappling with the taboo of suicide while describing his own struggles and offering advice to help others.

He explains how when someone takes their own life, 180 people are affected in their lifetime, known as a ripple effect.

Speaking about the impact Joe’s suicide had on him, he said: “That’s what he gave me.” That was the last thing he did for me. He did this to me and there are parts of me that will never forgive him.

“But I have to think in my head, ‘Okay, I’ll take it for you.’ But he did it to me and his parents, and that’s life.”

If you are affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org

New release: Roman’s new book Are You Really OK? He is seen grappling with the taboo of suicide while describing his own struggles and offering advice to help others