Roman Kemp has opened up about growing up with two musical icons as his parents – but admits that he regrets not spending enough time with them
12:00, 18 Oct 2025
Broadcaster Roman Kemp admits he regrets not spending time with his parents, Martin and Shirlie(Image: channel 4)
Roman Kemp has opened up about his one regret surrounding his parents. The broadcaster was born to music royalty, with his dad being Spandau Balle icon Martin, and his mum, Wham! and Pepsi & Shirlie legend, Shirlie Kemp.
Growing up with musical legends as parents, Roman, 32, was exposed to the bright lights of fame from a young age. His Godfather was none other than George Michael. But for Roman, he’s gone on to carve a career out in his own right, while still making occasional appearances with his parents.
The broadcaster previously appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox with Martin, 64, with the pair often sending fans into fits of laughter due to their witty nature and quick one-liners. However, Roman admits he has a sense of guilt surrounding both of his parents, admitting he doesn’t see them as much as he’d like to.
“They’re my heroes,” he exclusively told the Mirror. He added: “They really are. My one regret is that I don’t see them enough. Recently, I go through stages about our mortality in depth, and I have those moments. Even though I can make a podcast with my dad about him dying.
Roman has opened up about his bond with his famous parents(Image: Channel 4)
“I understand that logic but for some reason, right before you go to bed, you’re like, ‘My parents are going to die one day.’ I’m so lucky to have my parents. I think my biggest regret is that I need to change how much I see them. At the minute, I think I’m prioritising work too much in my life, and I think realistically, when I think about things and what is important to me, it’s them – and being able to share moments with them.”
Reflecting on his life and downtime with his parents, Roman explained: “We were able to go on a holiday last year and it was so nice and you make those memories. They’re just the best, I don’t know what else to say. It makes me really happy to see them in the garden or doing stuff.
“How lucky am I to go online and see that. Out of everything, no matter how much people to say to me ‘You’re privileged’ or ‘your dad got you that’, the only privilege is the fact that I can go to my mum and dad’s house and watch them hold hands and watch them kiss each other – that’s the privilege that I have in life.”
The broadcaster admits his one privilege is seeing both of his parents so in love with one another(Image: Getty Images for Tu at Sainsbury’s)Martin and Shirlie often share their love for one another on social media(Image: Getty Images)
But with famous parents comes the label of “nepo-baby” – something Roman doesn’t mind too much; however, he admits he’s not in the industry “for fame”. Instead, he works because he has a “cool job”, which allows him the privilege of affording holidays and creating memories with friends.
His parents have instilled a sense of normality in his life, but also allow him to take on their experience of the “celebrity world” and what really matters. “You can only do what’s best for you, you can only want to surround yourself by the people that matter to you,” he commented.
Elaborating further, the TV star went on to add: “The only people who matter to me are my family and my close friends – all the other stuff, it’s a bit of fun.” This is a conversation Roman admits he recently had with Martin, who told his son he doesn’t remember purchases and only remembers moments with his friends and family.
Roman has recently been announced as Marriott Bonvoy’s official Getaway Guru in partnership with Nectar, a campaign he aligns with due to his love of travel. “I always think when it comes to what people spend their money on, is experiences,” he said, adding: “When it came around, talking about how people can build up points on their weekly shops, it’s a no-brainer. I’m always an advocate for people when they go away to realise that the experience you are buying lasts forever.”
Despite his hectic work schedule, Roman was able to enjoy a holiday with his parents last year, creating lasting memories(Image: Instagram/romankemp)His family and close friends are all that matter to the star(Image: Instagram/romankemp)
Reflecting on the current state of the country and increased prices, he said: “It’s tough for anyone, being able to provide for your family and give your family those memories. Anyway, that can try to relieve that or give you inspiration, the thought ‘I can do this and I can help towards a hotel or a trip away.'”
But when it comes to planning a getaway, Roman admits he loves holidays, which allow him to learn. “I went to South Africa,” he said, before explaining he sought out a tour guide for his trip. He went on to say: “I like an itinerary. When I go away, one of the best tips I’ve ever had, and I use it all the time now, I try to do a food tour.” This allows Roman to absorb the local culture, as well as the agricultural industry and the socio-economic state of the country he’s visiting.
“I like learning when I go away, I’m always the person who’s like ‘Where’s the history that I can go and find?'” He went on to explain: “It’s such a fun role to take on. I love the idea of helping people rethink how they plan their holidays, and this partnership with Marriott Bonvoy x Nectar is all about that. The research they did was fascinating. Turns out that 41% of Brits spend as much time thinking about their weekly food shop as they do planning their next holiday.”
Roman is now Marriott Bonvoy’s Getaway Guru with Nectar(Image: Joe Pepler / SWNS)Travelling is something Roman loves, admitting he’s often quite militant about his plans(Image: Joe Pepler / SWNS)
He also plans his dinner outings in militant detail, having ensured that all of his dining plans are booked in before he even arrives in a destination. “Food is a massive thing on holiday, trying local stuff, I think it’s really important to try and do – eat at local places, I’ve had the best meals of my life in places that don’t look boujée.”
“The Marriott Bonvoy x Nectar research actually found I fall into the ‘Adventurous Eaters’ group, which makes total sense – I always look for local food wherever I go. It’s clever how your shopping habits can reflect your travel style.” He continued: “Holidays are my favourite thing, I always try not to worry when spending when it comes to holidays, I think about it, and the best thing I can do is experiences. But also, it’s just trying your best to go somewhere and embrace the culture as much as possible.”
New Marriott Bonvoy members who sign up via Nectar and link their accounts online will receive 500 bonus Nectar points and all members who link their accounts will earn 500 more Nectar points on each of their next three hotel stays on top of Marriott Bonvoy points earned. To find more information, including terms and conditions, and link Nectar and Marriott Bonvoy accounts head to https://www.nectar.com/brands/marriott-bonvoy
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