Roman Kemp is set to front a BBC documentary ‘Our Silent Emergency’ about male suicide and mental health.
The radio host, 28, will front the one-off special in a bid to ‘show that there are ways to reach those who are suffering’ after the sudden and unexpected death of his best friend, radio producer Joe Lyons, in August 2020.
BBC Three has confirmed that Twofour, part of ITV Studios, has been commissioned to produce the one-hour documentary.
Getting serious: Roman Kemp, 28, is set to front ‘Our Silent Emergency’ a one-off BBC Three documentary about male suicide and mental health
The documentary will see Roman taking a closer look at the urgent issue of young men’s mental health, exploring why increasing numbers are taking their own lives and the reasons why so many never ask for help.
Wanting to find some answers in a difficult time, Roman will explore what can be done to encourage people to seek help, what preventative action we need to be taking, and the lasting impact that mental health and suicide can have on friends and families.
This is a film about Roman’s generation, young men and boys as they become adults, and how he himself could help add to a dialogue that might help those who are struggling in silence.
Speaking about the documentary, Roman said: ‘There is a growing mental health crisis going on right now, and without the right support, the results can be tragic.
Tragic: The radio host will front the one-off special after the sudden and unexpected death of his best friend, radio producer Joe Lyons, in August 2020
‘I hope that by making this documentary for BBC Three we can bring attention to a subject that is affecting thousands of young men across the country, and show that there are ways to reach those who are suffering and need our help.’
BBC Three Controller, Fiona Campbell, said: ‘Because mental health is such an important issue for our audience, we feel it is our duty at BBC Three to continue making films on the subject in the hope that we can offer solutions and provide some help for people who are struggling.
‘This will be a really difficult film for Roman to make and we owe him and everyone else involved a huge thank you for putting trust in us to tell their stories.’
Nic Patten, Executive Producer, said: ‘The impact of the mental health crisis on this country’s younger generation is devastating, both on those who are struggling and their friends, peers and families.
‘We are extremely grateful to Roman and everyone taking part, for bravely making a film that encourages a conversation around this urgent and crucial issue.’
Mental health: The documentary will see Roman taking a closer look at the urgent issue of young men’s mental health, exploring why increasing numbers are taking their own lives
The documentary will also reportedly see Roman talking about the days following the tragic news of his friend Joe Lyons’s sudden death last August, according to The Sun.
Roman has previously been vocal in raising awareness for ‘mental wellness’ and urging people who are ‘struggling’ to ‘reach out’.
Speaking about the new documentary, a source told the publication: ‘Roman now wants to send that message in a more formal way with a whole show dedicated to Joe, in the hope it helps others.’
MailOnline contacted Roman’s representatives for comment at the time.
Roman’s best friend Joe, who had been a well-loved producer at Global radio for nine years, suddenly died in August last year. His cause of death has not been confirmed.
After his friend’s death, Roman emotionally addressed fans on his show Sunday Best, which he co-hosts with his father Martin Kemp, urging them to ‘reach out’.
Paying tribute to Joe, he said: ‘Before we can start with our usual show, you may have read that it’s been an incredibly hard week for me personally, as I lost my best friend…
‘It has completely devastated his family, friends, me, my family. I really want to make sure that I use this time right now to say if you are struggling, then please know that you can reach out…
‘There is always someone you can talk to: your family, friends, colleagues… or 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.’
Tribute: After his friend’s death, Roman emotionally addressed fans on his show Sunday Best, urging them to ‘reach out’. The episode was touchingly dedicated to Joe
Roman read out the website address for the service [itv.com/britaingettalking] before his dad Martin added a supportive: ‘Well do, Ro!’
At the end of the show, a photo of Joe was shown, with the episode dedicated to him.
Roman also had a tattoo tribute inked onto his leg, to honour his late friend, who was one of his Capital Breakfast show producers.
Explained why he had chosen his bird design tattoo, he wrote on Instagram: ‘Joe had this tattoo and I always used to say it was awful and looked like a pigeon. So I got it in the same spot…’
Roman also shared a selection of pictures of him with Joe and wrote: ‘You will always be my brother, my best mate and my partner. Everyday I’m missing seeing you and just wish I could show you how many people know you’re the best.
Sudden: Roman’s best friend Joe, who had been a well-loved producer at Global radio for nine years, suddenly died in August last year. His cause of death has not been confirmed
Touching: Roman also had a tattoo tribute inked onto his leg, to honour his late friend, who was one of his Capital Breakfast show producers
‘You taught me everything I know, I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for you sat by my side for the last 6 years. Pushing me and supporting me through everything.
‘I can only hope I gave you the same love, loyalty and outrageous amounts of fun that you gave me.
‘We have so many memories that span from sharing beds in the middle of nowhere to dancing on tables to breaking world records. I’m sorry I haven’t stopped texting you and sending you memes.
‘We were only just starting our adventure together but I’m going to take you along with me for the rest of it, flying that flag for the both of us.
‘I love you more than I can ever explain. See you soon mate❤️’
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details
Best friend: When the DJ discovered that Joe had died, he suddenly went off the air and did not return until the following week