The One Show’s Roman Kemp, alongside his sister Harleymoon, won BBC One’s Celebrity Race Across the World, despite their parents fearing the pair might bicker.
Roman Kemp has opened up about how his parents, Martin and Shirlie Kemp, were “scared” before a recent adventure with his sister Harleymoon — an experience that ultimately brought the siblings closer together. The 32-year-old presenter and Harleymoon recently emerged victorious on BBC One’s Celebrity Race Across the World, completing a 33-day, 5,900km (3,600-mile) journey across Central America on a strict budget of £950 per person and without the use of mobile phones.
The siblings finished just two minutes ahead of Strictly Come Dancing star Molly Rainford and her fiancé Tyler West, while third-place finishers Ani Rani and her father Bal trailed by six hours. Derry Girls actor Dylan Llewellyn and his mother Jackie came fourth after having to withdraw due to running out of funds. The final stage of the competition saw contestants travel 1,000km from Medellín to Colombia’s Guajira Peninsula.
Before filming, Roman and Harleymoon admitted they weren’t as close as they’d have liked, with busy work schedules limiting their time together. Roman also revealed that a pivotal phone call from his sister during a mental health crisis had been life-changing. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, he said: “I don’t know if I’ve ever 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 that day.”
Harleymoon, 36, told the BBC that a major reason for joining the show was simply to spend a month alone with her brother. “We haven’t lived together since we were 15,” she said. “Of course, we love each other, but we rarely get time just the two of us. Roman’s schedule is packed, mine is too… Being able to spend a whole month just me and him, I feel like I’m rediscovering Roman as a person, and I was really looking forward to that.”
The experience has inspired the siblings to make spending more time together a priority. Harleymoon told the You About? podcast: “I hope we continue to see each other more. Before, we mostly only saw each other at mum and dad’s house. This was such a different experience, which is why I was so excited for the race.” Roman added: “Now it’s easier to hang out with you because I really understand you. I can piece together the things I never got before… I see now it’s not that you’re being difficult, it’s just part of who you are.”
Reflecting on their parents’ worries before the competition, Roman said: “Harley is wild, fun, loves to party — basically the complete opposite of me. I’m the boring one. That’s why I was a bit nervous… and my mum and dad were really worried we’d argue, but you’ll just have to watch and see.”
Having grown up in the public eye, Roman and Harleymoon were surrounded by showbusiness from an early age. Their father, Martin Kemp, 64, toured the world as Spandau Ballet’s bass player before becoming a well-loved soap actor, most famously as Steve Owen in EastEnders. Their mother, Shirlie Kemp, was a backing singer for WHAM!
Since then, the siblings have each forged their own careers in entertainment. Roman started out at Capital Radio before transitioning to television, and he now co-hosts The Festive Finish Line on BBC One with Sarah Greene. Harleymoon has built a successful career in country music, steadily growing her fanbase as an artist.
Their journey on Celebrity Race Across the World not only tested their endurance but also strengthened their sibling bond — one they hope will last long after the cameras stop rolling.
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