Roman Kemp says he was lucky enough to grow up to be the son of his famous parents – not because of their celebrity lifestyle, but because of their “bohemian” approach to caring for him.
The radio DJ, 29, says he and his sister, singer Harley Moon, 33, were treated like ‘buddies’ by former Spandau Ballet star Martin, 61, and wife Shirlie, 60, with Roman saying he’s their Admiring 40th Wedding Anniversary.
In an excerpt from his new book Are You Really OK? as published by the Mirror“Mommy and Dad’s parenting style was definitely what you would call ‘bohemian’. They always made it a point to treat my sister Harley and I as their buddies, rather than their kids in charge.
Happy? Roman Kemp says he was lucky enough to grow up to be the son of his famous parents — not because of their celebrity lifestyle, but because of their “bohemian” approach to caring for him (pictured at the National Television Awards last week)
“People might think our house would have been filled with famous people when I was growing up. But it wasn’t like that at all. In reality Mum and Dad are very homey people, they are insanely loved even after almost 40 years together, and are very happy to just be in their own company.”
He added: “Their strong marriage is something I admire so much. As a teenager, one of my biggest fears was that they would break up. I never wanted Dad to do Strictly Come Dancing in case the famous curse hit and they break!’
Roman still gets along well with his father today, appearing alongside him on Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox and on their recently canceled chat show, ITV’s Weekend Best.
Pals: The radio DJ, 29, says he and his sister, singer Harley Moon, 33, were treated like ‘buddies’ by former Spandau Ballet star Martin, 61, and wife Shirlie, 60 (Roman and his father Martin pictured last year)
Family Affair: Roman Says He Admires His Parents’ 40th Marriage (Clockwise LR: Harley Moon, Martin, Roman, Shirlie)
Featuring games and celebrity interviews, the series was a family affair – Martin’s daughter Harley Moon wrote the signature tune and both she and her mother Shirlie – once part of the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie – were guests.
Last week, however, it emerged that no new episodes would be made, with Roman explaining to Alison Boshoff of the Daily Mail.
It comes after radio host Roman was named as one of the possible hosts of the ITV revival of reality show Big Brother.
TV career: It comes after it was announced last week that no new episodes of Roman’s former chat show with his father Martin, ITV’s Weekend Best, would be made (Martin and Roman featured on the show in June 2020)
The star has been named alongside a number of other celebrities, including original presenter Davina McCall, to front the show when it makes its comeback on ITV2 and ITVX next year.
However, Emily Atack and Vick Hope are thought to be preferred by television executives for the role.
A source told The Sun: ‘Emily and Vick have become the favourites. A huge list was drawn up with some big names on it, including [Davina McCall].
With a Chance: It was recently reported that Roman met with ITV bosses about his participation in the Big Brother revival on ITV2
Battle Royale: Emily Atack (left) and Vick Hope (right) are ‘talking to ITV bosses as they battle it out to host the Big Brother reboot when it returns to screens next year’
“However, there is a feeling that a fresh face would be good for the reboot.”
The source added: ‘Roman also held talks and made the shortlist. Rylan Clark is another name in the mix, but like Davina, he has worked on Big Brother before.
“If the production team and ITV decide they want a totally fresh start, he won’t make it.”
The iconic reality show – which ran on Channel 4 for ten years until 2010 and relaunched Channel 5 the following year until it ended in 2018 – will return on ITV2 in 2023.
In the Mix: Original presenter Davina McCall (pictured on the show in 2000) is also in the mix as a possible presenter