Martin Kemp, the Spandau Ballet bassist and actor, and his son Roman, a TV and radio presenter, have opened up about their unique relationship in a candid interview. The pair, who now host the podcast FFS! My Dad Is Martin Kemp, reflected on moments from Roman's childhood, including a trip to Disneyland Paris that almost didn't happen due to Martin's battle with brain tumours in 1995. Roman recalled being carried on his father's shoulders, noting that the photo belied the seriousness of Martin's illness, from which their parents shielded the children.
Roman, 31, described how his father's fame became apparent when he was about five, with strangers staring at them in restaurants. He learned to either hide from or embrace the attention, and developed a thick skin against schoolyard judgment. Despite the challenges, Roman praised his father's fair parenting style, which included encouraging him to join adult conversations at dinner rather than relegating him to a kids' table. He noted that their relationship shifted to an equal footing when he beat Martin at FIFA aged seven.
Football has been a constant bond, with Roman saying 90% of their conversations revolve around the sport. Martin, now 63, never told Roman what choices to make, trusting him even when he decided to make a documentary about his friend Joe Lyons, who died by suicide in 2020. Roman expressed deep appreciation for this trust, which he said has been a hallmark of his upbringing.
Martin reflected on his own memory of the Disneyland trip, which he described as being in a 'void' during his recovery from a brain tumour. Despite the uncertainty, he emphasised that the experience did not stop them from enjoying family moments. The interview highlights a relationship built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared passions, with Roman concluding that his father's parenting was defined by fairness and support.
