Roman Kemp was visibly emotional on The One Show this evening (October 19) after hearing a young guest's brain tumour story that reminded him of his father's own battle.
The BBC programme welcomed actors Dominic Cooper, Romola Garai and Keeley Hawes to the sofa, alongside the announcement of The One Show's annual Children in Need Challenge Squad for 2026.
A Story That Hit Close to Home
The fundraising team consists of people previously supported by Children in Need funding. Among the four-member group is 21-year-old Harry, who shared his experience with presenters Alex Jones and Roman in a pre-recorded clip.
"When I was six I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and 24 hours later I was on the operating table," he revealed. "When I first came home from hospital I had to relearn basic skills."
Harry was unable to walk and found it difficult to eat and speak, which led to bullying at school. "The isolation was really tough. I still struggle mentally with fatigue, balance, coordination," he said.
Roman's Emotional Response
Harry described finding The Brain Tumour Charity as "one of the biggest turning points" for him, stating: "They helped me realise that my brain tumour and disabilities weren't things I needed to hide. They gave me confidence and for the first time, I didn't feel alone."
As Harry spoke, Roman wiped away a tear before applauding and embracing him. He then explained why the story resonated so deeply, revealing that his father, musician Martin Kemp, had faced a similar ordeal.
"I saw my dad go through a similar thing," Roman began. "I'm so pleased that the charity helped you learn that people have their hardships and yours is just the start of your story."
Martin Kemp's Ordeal
Martin, best known as a member of Spandau Ballet, was diagnosed with two brain tumours during the nineties. He has spoken openly about the experience, including during his appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here last year.
"I had two brain tumours removed," Martin told his fellow campmates on the ITV reality show. Describing how he first discovered the tumours, he recalled: "I was making a show in Canada and I was playing this professor so I go into make-up one day and I have to go put on this bald cap.
"And as they pulled it on I could hear the whole of the make-up wagon go quiet, because you could see this lump on the back of my head but it was skull. It was bone. So it stretched out, and what it was, was the tumour underneath it had been there for about 12 years had run out of space to grow so it started to grow into the skull, into the bone... Within two days I was back home having my head cut open."
The One Show airs weeknights from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
