Radio and TV star Roman Kemp has revealed how his mum, Shirlie Holliman, “saved his life” during one of the lowest points of his mental health journey just 18 months ago.
The Capital FM Breakfast host, 28, bravely opened up about the moment he called his mother for help when he felt he could no longer cope — admitting he was “in such a state” that she immediately jumped in her car and drove to London to be by his side.
“She stayed on the phone the whole way,” Roman said softly. “That day was the lowest I’ve ever been.”
“I’ve Suffered with Depression Since I Was 15”
In a candid interview with The Times, Roman admitted he has been battling major depression since his teenage years.
“I’ve had the best parents, the best upbringing, great friends — yet at 15, I suffered majorly with depression,” he shared. “Since then, I’ve taken antidepressants, and that’s just part of my life now.”
The I’m A Celebrity star said his mental health struggles often come and go — even when everything on the outside seems perfect.
“When I’m on air, I can be super happy,” he explained. “But those dark thoughts can strike anytime. If I ever come off the medication, I know how quickly it can get bad again.”
The Lowest Point of His Life
Roman recalled how his mental health crisis hit hardest 18 months ago, right when his career was thriving.
“It made no sense,” he said. “Everything was going brilliantly — yet I was sitting on the floor of my flat, feeling like I wanted the state to stop. It was the lowest I’ve ever been.”
His mother, Shirlie, best known as one half of Pepsi & Shirlie from the 1980s pop scene, was the person who saved him. She talked him through the night, keeping him safe until she could reach him in person.
“That’s what mums do,” Roman said. “No judgment, no questions — just love.”
A Tragic Loss That Changed Everything
Roman’s battle came not long after the sudden death of his best friend and mentor, Joe Lyons, in August 2020. Joe, a Capital Radio producer, had been Roman’s closest colleague since he joined the station in 2014.
“Joe was like family,” Roman admitted. “He was the one who showed me the ropes. When he died, it broke me.”
The shocking loss pushed Roman to speak out publicly about mental health, especially among young men.
Using His Platform for Change
The presenter has since fronted a BBC documentary exploring male suicide and mental health in honor of his late friend.
“I didn’t realize how much Joe was struggling,” Roman said. “If I’d known, maybe I could’ve helped. That’s why I want to do this — to make sure no one else feels alone.”
A source close to the star confirmed:
“Roman wants to send a message of hope — that reaching out can save a life. His story isn’t about fame or sympathy; it’s about showing that anyone, no matter how successful, can struggle too.”
“She Saved Me — and That’s Why I Speak Up”
Now, Roman says his mission is simple — to keep talking, to break the stigma, and to honor the people who helped him survive.
“I wouldn’t be here without my mum,” he said. “She gave me the strength to keep going. That’s why I’ll never stop talking about mental health — because someone, somewhere, needs to hear it.”