Roman Kemp's frightening diagnosis that will see him quit showbusiness

24 December 2023 , 18:00

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Roman Kemp's frightening diagnosis that will see him quit showbusiness

Roman Kemp has opened up about his frightening health concern that could see him forced to quit his demanding job.

The Capital Breakfast show host, who is the son of Spandau Ballet's Martin, has made a name for himself after being vocal on the country's mental health crisis and the importance of seeking help. The 30-year-old has fronted a number of shows about the issue, including his BBC Three documentary that aired earlier this year, Roman Kemp: The Fight for Young Lives.

When his close friend Joe Lyons, a producer at Global Radio for nine years, took his own life in August 2020, a heartbroken Roman bravely spoke about the power of friends looking out for one another live on air. He has called for men in particular to not be shy of talking after he revealed his disappointment over having no idea anything was wrong with his late pal.

Roman Kemp has been diagnosed with sleep apnoea

He candidly confessed in a discussion on This Morning: "If I had been [a hero] he would be here. I want people to be a hero to their friend like I know I wasn't to mine. It's OK to look at yourself and think what more could I have done". Roman, who wrote the memoir Are You Really OK? also battled depression from his teenage years and previously said his mother suggested he see a doctor at 15.

He too contemplated taking his life in 2019 when he struggled with pressures and heard 'lots of voices'. But found that listening to superstar Ed Sheeran helped him out of the dark period. In an interview with The Mirror, he 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."

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But aside from mental health struggles, he has also been carrying the weight of another serious health issue, and as a result, doesn't believe he'll be able to carry on in showbiz for much longer. In 2022, the radio host revealed his plans to quit the busy job within five years after receiving a devastating diagnosis, caused by his hectic work schedule.

He opened up about walking away from the limelight after being diagnosed with sleep apnoea - a condition which causes a person's breathing to stop and start while sleeping. The disorder has even led to the star having to wear an oxygen mask at night time.

Roman Kemp expects to leave his job in five years (ITV)

Speaking to Mail Online, the presenter who has dealt with five years of demanding early starts for his show, said: "My tiredness levels were debilitating, and they said to me it was because of my job and I said this is different. I was talking with people where I thought I was verging on narcolepsy because I was mid-conversation and would be snoring and not realising, it was very strange.

"The doctors told me I must wear an oxygen mask. There is absolutely nothing sexy about going back to Roman Kemp's house." He then joked: "They are expecting candles and mood lighting but they're getting a Darth Vader impression into an oxygen tank," and quipped that his love life could make a brilliant documentary for the likes of Channel 5.

His plans away from the spotlight revolve around becoming a stay-at-home dad and opening up a dog sanctuary as he insisted he never chose his career for fame. But he does intend to stick around for another five years so that he can mark his decade in the industry. "I want a decade on air at least," he added. "I would love to be able to say I did a decade on that show – whether my bosses will allow that I don't know."

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected]

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