Roman Kemp says emotional goodbye to Capital Breakfast & thanks fans for ‘saving his life’ on his final show
ROMAN Kemp broke down in tears as he said an emotional goodbye to Capital Breakfast and thanked fans for “saving his life” on his final show.
The popular DJ’s last breakfast show after 10 years at the station aired on Thursday – as Radio 1 star Jordan North prepares to take over from him in April.
Roman – who has been open about his own depression and mental health battles – said his job held him together when he was facing challenges in his personal life.
In an emotional segment on the show, Roman told listeners this morning: “I know that there is a lot of people listening right now, and I wanted to take the time to say thank you.
“I was more nervous about saying I was leaving than actually leaving this show.
“This show is run by so many people behind the scenes who try so hard to give you that bit of energy in the morning and to try and get you up and feeling good, but I think what I want to get across is just how much fun I’ve had on this station in the past ten years.
“It has changed my life in so many ways and I have grown up in this place, and that’s because of all of you listening.
“You have been able to be there for me through things that I never imagined would even happen.
“I’ve had moments on this show where my whole life outside of work is completely down the pan. There were times where I didn’t want to be here anymore. There have been moments where my life outside of this room has been the worst thing ever.
“I know a great life, but in my head that’s how it felt. I knew that all I had in my life were these four hours in my day where I could come to work and in those four hours I knew that I was going to laugh and have fun and be surrounded by people that get me and those four hours and those people that I’m talking about include you – the listeners.
“You have no idea how much you have helped me.”
Roman then prepared a special rendition of Italian operatic song Con te partirò, which is translated to Time to Say Goodbye.
Last month, Roman said that he would leave Capital Breakfast after more than a decade on the team.
The popular presenter revealed the news live on his show which he co-hosts with Sian Welby and Chris Stark.
He said: “I’ve got quite a big announcement and it is one that is really weird to say out loud.
“It’s really odd, to be honest I had no idea how I start this. So I’ll come out and say it.
“This is going to be my last six weeks on Capital. Which is a weird thing to say.”
He continued: “What I can tell you is I’m not saying goodbye right now, I’m not leaving the show today and that’s it, but it’s not far away.
“It will come and that goodbye will come in five to six weeks.
“It’s not a decision that has come overnight either, it’s massive, I’ve not found it easy at all.”
Roman, whose best friend and producer Joe tragically died in August 2020, went on: “Capital is my family, you as the wonderful listeners that you’ve been, you’ve been with me at my best times and my absolute lowest.”
Reflecting on his time on the radio, he continued: “I know that it started out as me being just Martin Kemp’s son, I hope that now you can call me your friend.”
He also thanked his co-workers and said it will be “so tough” to leave but said he’s looking forward to getting more sleep.
Roman went on: “I’ve loved every single moment of my time at Capital.
“The last 10 years have been amazing and hosting the legendary Capital Breakfast is the best job ever.
“But after almost seven years of early alarms, I’m looking forward to some lie-ins and it’s time to hand over the baton!
“It’s been a privilege and an honour to wake up millions of people every day.
“It’s the best job in radio and I’ll miss our listeners and the team at Global lots.
“Whoever the next host of Capital Breakfast is, they’re in for the most incredible ride.”
It was revealed that BBC Radio 1 star Jordan North was signing a big money deal to join the Capital FM Breakfast team after quitting Radio 1.
Roman’s replacement
The Sun confirmed that Jordan had broadcast his final drivetime show for the Beeb alongside Vick Hope.
Jordan will be joined by former Radio 1 star Chris Stark, as well as Sian Welby – who worked on the Breakfast Show with Roman.
Appearing on the show on February 21, North said: “I am beyond excited to be joining Global and to wake up the nation every morning on Capital.
“I can’t wait to start working with the amazing team here and get stuck in, to create the most fun and entertaining breakfast show.
“Getting to host Capital Breakfast has always been a dream of mine and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that I simply couldn’t turn down.”
North will also host Capital’s Summertime Ball in June 2024.
Where is Roman Kemp moving to?
Roman is believed to have departed from the station to concentrate on other career ventures.
While he is perhaps best known for appearing on the airwaves, he’s enjoyed a flourishing TV career in recent years.
And he has plenty to look forward to as he looks for new opportunities.
Not only does he host The One Show on BBC One but he also hosted the Brit Awards alongside Maya Jama and Clara Amfo.
Roman could be “lined up for a huge ITV job” after Ben Shephard quit Good Morning Britain.
Rumours are swirling that Roman – who is wanting to step more into TV – will be filling in Ben’s slot.