Roman Kemp speaks out after his emotional mental health documentary: ‘Please be the hero your friend needs’

Roman Kemp has thanked fans for their support for his documentary Our Silent Emergency in which he spoke about the death of his best friend and producer Joe Lyons.

The radio presenter opened up about his own experiences with mental health, breaking down in tears as he recalled having to call his mum as he thought about taking his own life.

The I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! star remembered feeling ‘caught out by my own brain on everything’ at the time.

‘I just know that I called my mum and I said to her, I don’t even think I was making sense, I was just crying. She made sure my sister was on the phone the whole time and I’m so glad that I made that phone call,’ Roman said in the film.

Writing on Twitter after the documentary aired on Tuesday night, the DJ said: ‘Thank you so much for the lovely words, reviews, articles and messages. Please be the hero your friend needs.

‘Seeing people now checking on their friends and asking twice is incredible. We ALL need to do it. Thank you for the messages and thank you so much to the Lyons family for letting me show just how incredible Joe was.’

The documentary was praised by mental health charity Mind with Head of Information Stephen Buckley saying: ‘The reasons behind suicide are complex and will vary in each individual, but we know factors such as believing that seeking help might be seen as a sign of weakness, or not knowing where to access support, can prevent those of us with mental health problems from getting help.

‘Therefore, by sharing experiences and highlighting what support is available, we can help others feel less alone, challenge stigma and encourage honest and open conversations.

‘If you, or someone you love, is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s important to seek help and remember that with the right treatment and support, the majority of people who have felt suicidal will go on to live fulfilling lives.’

In a particularly raw moment, Roman confessed he initially felt ‘angry’ that Joe hadn’t told him how he was feeling.

He shared: ‘I felt angry that he never called me, he just decided that was it and didn’t feel the need to let me know. I felt angry that someone had to find him.’

The TV presenter added that ‘hopefully he can forgive me for feeling like that’.

The BBC film also saw Roman speak to men and boys about their mental health, and how male friendship groups can look out for each other.

Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency is available on BBC iPlayer.

MORE : Caroline Flack fans praise her ‘truly remarkable’ mum and sister after they speak about her death in documentary

MORE : What was Gladiators and when was it on TV as Hunter joins cast of The Circle?