Roman Kemp returns to screens tonight in a new Channel 4 travel documentary alongside his father, Martin Kemp. The 33-year-old presenter and his dad explore Ireland in Martin and Roman's Irish Road Trip, a journey filled with landscape, mystery, and legend, plus plenty of "bants and bonding."
From Radio to Reality TV
Roman began his career at Capital FM, eventually becoming the face of the breakfast show. In 2019, he finished third on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, behind Andy Whyment and winner Jacqueline Jossa. He has since hosted the Brit Awards and joined BBC One's The One Show as a permanent presenter in 2023.
Martin Kemp: Spandau Ballet to EastEnders
Martin Kemp rose to fame as the bassist of Spandau Ballet, known for hits like "True" and "Gold." He later became a successful actor, playing Steve Owen in EastEnders from 1998 to 2002 and starring as one of the Kray twins in The Krays alongside his brother Gary.
Shirlie Holliman: Wham! Icon and Pepsi & Shirlie
Roman's mother, Shirlie Holliman, started as a backing dancer for Wham! in the early 1980s. She later formed the duo Pepsi & Shirlie with Helen DeMacque. In 2023, Martin and Shirlie appeared on The Masked Singer as Cat and Mouse.
George Michael: Godfather and Family Friend
George Michael, a close friend of Shirlie, introduced her to Martin and became Roman's godfather. Roman recalled on Smooth Radio in 2019 that George was more like an "uncle," sharing memories of holidays and Christmas presents, including a Batmobile electric car from Harrods.
Sister Harleymoon Kemp: Race Across the World Winner
Roman's older sister, Harleymoon Kemp, is a singer-songwriter who appeared with him on Celebrity Race Across The World. The siblings won the contest, racing 5,900km across Central America. Harleymoon said, "Me and Roman were on buses for 24 hours together, and we were just cool and I think, wow, spending that much time together and getting on as best mates and then winning it. That's so cool, so special."
Roman added, "The one thing for me that stands out is everyone talking about how they love Harley... I don't really like it when people are just talking about me."
Martin and Roman's Irish Road Trip starts Monday, August 10 at 8pm on Channel 4.
