Roman Kemp pays emotional tribute to late producer Joe Lyons during his Capital Breakfast return
Roman Kemp struggled to hold back tears as he returned to the Capital Radio Breakfast show following the “devastating” loss of producer Joe Lyons.
Lyons, who worked on the show, died last Tuesday (4 August), with Kemp and co-hosts Sian Welby and Sonny Jay paying tribute to him during Monday (10 August) morning’s show.
“Here on Capital Breakfast we are a massive family … and we wanted to share with you some really sad news,” Kemp said. “Last Tuesday, very suddenly, we lost one of our best friends, my best friend 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] completely obviously devastated and we’re trying to process this all together.”
Kemp, who is the son of singers Martin and Shirlie Kemp, shared his personal memories of Lyons, recalling: “He was the very first person I met when I walked through the door. I remember thinking, ‘Who’s this guy?’ 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. It is really weird.”
Tearing up, he continued: “He really couldn’t do enough for people. He was the nicest guy that I know, hands down. He was kind, caring, really loved dogs. He was obsessed with his daily step count, he never ironed his clothes.
“He loved his family so much... he loved his friends. But the thing he loved most of all is doing this show, and he loved you listening right now. He loved making you happy.”
Responding to the video, BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James wrote: “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.”
