Roman Kemp has shared an emotional glimpse into his family’s struggles, particularly the impact of their celebrity status. The television presenter revealed that he often witnessed his mother, Shirlie Kemp, in tears during tough times.
The Kemp Family’s Journey Through Hardship
Roman, 32, grew up in the spotlight alongside his parents, Shirlie and Martin Kemp, both known for their illustrious careers. Shirlie rose to fame as a pop star, while Martin gained his recognition from the band Spandau Ballet and later as an actor on BBC’s EastEnders.
During a recent episode of his podcast, You About?, Roman discussed the financial difficulties his family faced in the 1990s. Martin’s health issues, including a diagnosis of two brain tumors, led to significant financial stress. Roman candidly noted, “My parents had no money at the time because my dad had all these operations.”
Paparazzi Pressure and Familial Strain
Despite their fame, the Kemp family struggled with the invasive nature of celebrity culture. Roman shared how the family was often concerned about being photographed by paparazzi while on holiday. He recalled, “If we’d gone on holiday, we were never allowed to go to the beach… you’d see a boat come past, quite far out, and then a long lens camera just taking pictures.”
This scrutiny took an emotional toll on Shirlie. Roman remembered instances where she would cry after seeing unflattering images of their family published in magazines. One painful memory involved photographs of the family on a banana boat, which left his mother in tears for several days.
Upcoming Ventures and Personal Reflections
Looking ahead, Roman and his sister Harleymoon, 36, are set to participate in Celebrity Race Across the World 2025. They will tackle a 5,900km journey across Central America on a budget of just £30 per day each.
Harleymoon disclosed that their mother was initially offered a chance to join the show but declined due to concerns about the challenges it would present. Roman, having previously battled anxiety and depression, sees this race as a personal test. He explained, “I came off all medication over a year ago, and the race was a good test for my anxiety.”
- Participants: Roman Kemp and Harleymoon Kemp
- Parents: Shirlie Kemp and Martin Kemp
- Health Issues: Martin was diagnosed with two brain tumors
- Celebrity Race Across the World: Scheduled to air on Thursday evening
- Distance: 5,900km across Central America
- Budget: £30 per day per person
The Kemp family’s journey highlights the emotional challenges of living in the public eye, while also illustrating their resilience in facing personal struggles. Through their experiences, they continue to inspire others navigating similar hardships.
