Roman Kemp returned to his post this morning to deliver an emotional tribute to producer Joe Lyons.
The 27-year-old, who described Joe as his “friend”, struggled to fight back the tears as spoke to fans of the show.
Radio presenter Roman had returned to work this morning for the first time, since the tragic news arose last Wednesday.
Plucking up the courage he took to the Capital FM studio with his co-stars Sian Welby, 33, and Sonny Jay, 27, vowing that “the show must go on”.
Roman Kemp shared an emotional tribute to producer Joe Lyons (Image: Twitter)
In his heartfelt speech, he described Joe as a “friend’ whose death had affected the radio show “family” badly.
The son of Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp began: “We wanted to share some really sad news.”
Struggling to contain his emotions, he added: “I never thought I’d have to do this ever.
“Last Tuesday, very suddenly, we lost one of our best friends.”
Taking a moment to pause, he continued: “Our producer Joe, he was a member of the Capital Breakfast family.”
Roman broke down in tears as he emotionally spoke about his “friend” Joe who died suddenly
“We are trying to process this all together. We wanted to share this news with you.”
Casting his mind back, to some fond memories he relayed the big role Joe had played in his career on the breakfast show.
Roman went on: “Joe had worked for global – the parent company – for nine years.
“He was the very first person I met when I walked through the door. I remember thinking he was a bit of a Del Boy.
“He was with me right from my very first show. He taught me everything. I don’t know sitting in a radio studio without him.”
Roman couldn’t fight back the tears as he spoke about what Joe was like as a person
Continuing to reminisce, he added: “He’s the person I’d sit here and rinse constantly, so much fun, playful, silly.”
Describing his character, Roman explained: “He loved dogs. Obsessed with his daily step count. Never ironed his clothes. He loved his family so much.
“His dad Ivan, his mum Celia, his sister Lou. He did love his friends…his fans, he did have fans. The thing he loved most of all was doing this show, you listening.
“He was like a genius coming up with these ideas. He was driven by the reaction from you every day.”
Concluding his tearful tribute, the DJ said: “He was our best mate.”
Roman Kemp features on Capital FM weekdays from 6am to 10am.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
