Hello Kev,
Indeed, currently there is a problem with this scenario, which we will research and do our best to fix for the next release. The easiest workaround is to remove the EmptyMessage. For example you can use a label in front of the control. Sorry about the inconvenience.
I have updated your Telerik points for bringing the issue to our attention.
Sincerely yours,
Dimo
the Telerik team
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