Roman Kemp broke down in tears live on air this morning as he paid tribute to his “absolute brother”, producer Joe Lyons, who died last week.
The Capital Breakfast DJ shared his memories of his friend and colleague, saying: “I never thought I would have to be doing this on the radio.”
Explaining his absence from the show at the end of last week, the 27-year-old told listeners: “Last Tuesday, very suddenly, we lost one of our best friends – and our colleague – producer Joe. He was not just part of the Capital Breakfast family, but a loved member of the whole team.
“Everybody that works here at Capital is obviously completely devastated and we are trying to process this all together.”
Paying tribute to the producer, who worked at Capital’s parent company Global for nine years, Kemp said: “He was kind, caring, loved dogs, he was obsessed with his daily step count. He never ironed his clothes, he loved his family so much.”
He added: “He was playful, he was silly and that is how we are going to remember him and that is how we would like you to remember him.”
Wiping away tears, before promising the show would go on, he continued: “He’s my absolute brother and I never thought I would have to be doing this on the radio.
On a final note, the son of Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp, said: "We're going to carry on making people laugh for you. Producer Joe, we love you, and because of that mate, the show has got to go on. So thank you so much Joe, we love you" before breaking into applaud.
Messages of condolence flooded the Capital FM Twitter page as they shared a video of the tribute, posting: "Last Tuesday, very suddenly, we lost one of our best friends - and our colleague - Producer Joe. He was not just part of the Capital Breakfast family, but a loved member of the whole team."
Radio DJ Polly James replied: "A brilliant, brave tribute to your friend, Roman. Heartbroken listening and the tears streamed. Just devastating. Sending the Capital family ALL the love in the world."
Radio 1's Greg James commented: "This is unbearably sad news. I’m so sorry to hear this. Incredibly brave to go on air and do such an amazing tribute. Please look after yourselves. Sending all my love x".
