Mum talking about George Michael helped me open up about my mental health
I’M A Celeb’s Roman Kemp thanks his lucky stars for having Spandau Ballet’s Martin and singer Shirlie for parents.
He credits Shirlie’s tribute to George Michael, her best friend, for helping him to open up about his own pal’s suicide.
Capital Radio and telly presenter Roman, 29, has fought his own battle against depression for 15 years and considered taking his own life.
He was blindsided two years ago by producer Joe Lyons’ death. And through it all Eastenders star Martin, 61, and Shirlie, 60, have been his rocks.
At the 2017 Brit Awards, Shirlie paid tribute to George – Roman’s godfather – who died on Christmas Day 2016.
Roman, speaking in Mental Health Week, said: “I’ve never felt prouder of my mum than getting up there on the stage.
“When it came to me having to talk about the loss of my own best mate Joe, I remember mum doing that and it gave me the courage when I had to say on air how we had lost him.
“I feel like I’ve won the lottery to have them as parents. I’m so lucky that I was the kid that had someone to speak to.
“We’re a support network. We speak every day. I call Dad if something nice happens and Mum if it’s something bad.”
With his parents, model looks and successful career, many may find it hard to believe Roman has mental health problems.
His book Are You Really OK? reveals the 2019 I’m A Celebrity finalist’s darkest days – his chemical depression diagnosis at 15, suicidal plans before entering the TV jungle and losing Joe.
Roman learned of the death while on air as Joe had not turned up at work. He said: “I’m still processing his death, every day. There’s no explanation for it. Every day at the Capital studios, I’m back in the worst situation I’ve ever lived in my life. I have flashbacks of that all the time.
“Per one suicide, 140 people are affected. That’s the radius. Joe’s has affected a lot of people. I’m sure he’ll be proud of what we’re doing but I still f***ing hate him for it.
“He knew what I was going through and he never said anything. He was the furthest thing from a suicidal person. I thought I knew what it looked like.”
Talking saved Roman. Shirlie rang him just as he was thinking about ways in which he could take his own life.
Roman wants people reading his book to be a hero to their friends and ask if they are OK. janine.yaqoob@people.co.uk
Roman Kemp: Are You Really OK? published by Mirror Books,on sale October 27.