In a stunning revelation that adds deeper emotional weight to her journey, Race Across The World star Harleymoon Kemp has disclosed a life-altering family secret that almost prevented her from competing in the BBC's hit adventure series.
The 26-year-old daughter of musician Martin Kemp and actress Shirlie Holliman discovered she had a different biological father just months before filming began, sending her world into turmoil and nearly costing her the opportunity of a lifetime.
The Shocking Discovery
"I found out something quite massive about my family," Kemp revealed in a recent interview. "I found out who my biological father was, and it was a lot to deal with."
The revelation came during a period of intense personal reflection for Kemp, who was already grappling with questions about her identity and purpose. The timing couldn't have been more challenging, with the Race Across The World adventure looming just months away.
A Journey Interrupted
The emotional turmoil nearly derailed her participation in the show entirely. "It was a lot to deal with, and I didn't know if I could go on the race," she confessed. "I was like, 'I can't do this. I can't leave my family.'"
Kemp described feeling overwhelmed by the discovery and the subsequent family discussions that ensued. The foundation of her identity had been shaken, and the thought of embarking on a challenging global adventure while processing this information seemed impossible.
The Turning Point
Ultimately, it was her father Martin Kemp who provided the perspective she needed. "My dad was the one who said, 'You have to do this. This is your journey. You have to go and find yourself.'"
His encouragement proved pivotal, convincing Kemp that the race might actually provide the space and perspective she needed to process her new reality. The adventure became more than just a competition—it transformed into a genuine journey of self-discovery.
Race as Therapy
Looking back, Kemp believes the experience of racing across continents with friend and teammate Billy became an unexpected form of therapy. The physical challenges and constant movement provided a backdrop against which she could process her emotional turmoil.
"The race came at the perfect time," she reflected. "It gave me the space to think about what I wanted from life and who I wanted to be."
Kemp's story adds a powerful layer of depth to the already compelling adventure series, reminding viewers that sometimes the most significant journeys aren't the ones we can see on a map, but the internal transformations that happen along the way.
