Roman Kemp has opened up about a significant shift in his family dynamics after winning Celebrity Race Across the World alongside his sister Harleymoon. The 32-year-old TV host admitted that his parents, Martin and Shirlie Kemp, were left 'scared' about the pair potentially clashing during the gruelling BBC One challenge.
The siblings travelled 5,900km across Central America over 33 days with a budget of just £950 per person and no mobile phones. They edged to victory by a mere two minutes ahead of Strictly Come Dancing's Molly Rainford and her fiancé Tyler West, while Ani Rani and her father Bal secured third place. Derry Girls star Dylan Llewellyn and his mum Jackie finished fourth after being forced to withdraw due to dwindling funds. The final episode, aired last week, saw contestants navigate a 1,000km route from Medellín to the Guajira Peninsula in Colombia.
Before the show, Roman, known for his work on The One Show, and Harleymoon admitted they were not as close as they would like, with busy careers limiting their time together. Their parents were particularly worried about sibling squabbles. Roman told singer Tom Grennan: 'Harley is like wild, party, fun, like the complete opposite of me. Boring is what I am. It was really interesting, and that's why I was quite worried about it in that sense, and my mum and dad were so scared about us arguing.'
Roman, who has been open about his struggles with depression and PTSD, also revealed that a phone call from his sister during a mental health crisis was pivotal. He said: 'I don't know if I ever have actually spoken to Harley about that call. What I do know is that the conversation between my mum and Harley might have saved my life on that day.' Harleymoon, 36, explained they had not lived together since she was 15, adding: 'I feel like I'm about to meet Roman again as a person.'
The siblings now hope to maintain their stronger bond. Roman said: 'Now I feel it easier to hang out with you because I know you. I can piece together the bits that I never understood.' Born into a famous family, their father Martin Kemp was Spandau Ballet's bassist before starring in EastEnders, while their mother Shirlie was a backing singer for WHAM!. Roman currently hosts The Festive Finish Line on BBC One, while Harleymoon has forged a career as a country singer.
