In a powerful revelation, the 30-year-old presenter opened up about his long battle with depression — a struggle that began when he was just a teenager — and how his mother, Shirlie Kemp, became his guiding light through the darkest nights.
“I’ve had depression since I was a teenager,” Roman admits in his memoir Are You Really OK?
“When I was 15, Mum told me it was time to see a doctor. She knew before anyone else. She saved me.”
Shirlie, the former Wham! star and wife of Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp, has been the unshakable foundation of her family. Roman calls her “my rock,” the woman who saw past the fame and the façade — and refused to let her son slip away into silence.
💞 “We Talk Every Day — We Don’t Hide Behind Masks”
Roman’s relationship with both his parents goes beyond typical family affection — it’s a bond built on brutal honesty and unconditional love.
“We talk to each other every day,” he says. “My dad and I get to work together all the time, and I love that my future kids will one day watch me and their grandad on screen together. That’s our relationship — real, honest, and filled with love.”
For Roman, authenticity is everything.
“When we’re together, there’s no mask. No judgment. Just love. I’m so lucky — I never have to be anything but myself around my mum, dad, and sister.”
🌹 A Family Built on Kindness
Roman’s sister, Harleymoon Kemp, echoes that same sentiment. In an emotional interview with HELLO!, she described the Kemp home as “a place of kindness and encouragement,” crediting their parents for creating a world where compassion always came first.
“Our dad is the kindest man I’ve ever known,” she says proudly. “And we’re all so proud of Roman. To see him recognized by the future Queen for his work on mental health — it’s just incredible.”
👑 When Royalty Came Calling
That moment came when Princess Kate personally visited the Kemps’ family home to film a conversation with Roman about her Shaping Us campaign.
“It was surreal,” Harleymoon laughs. “Watching the Princess walk through our parents’ garden — it didn’t feel real. Roman was so casual about it! He just said, ‘Yeah, she’s coming round.’”
❤️ Britain’s Most Honest Family
The Kemps aren’t just a showbiz dynasty — they’re a symbol of honesty, healing, and resilience in a world that often hides behind smiles. From Shirlie’s quiet strength to Martin’s gentle wisdom and Roman’s openness about mental health, this is one family proving that talking saves lives.
“I genuinely feel like I’ve won the lottery with my family,” Roman says.
“They’re the reason I’m still here.”
