The One Show star Roman Kemp won BBC One’s Celebrity Race Across the World with sister Harleymoon after their parents worried the siblings would argue
Roman Kemp has revealed that his parents, Martin and Shirlie Kemp, were “scared” ahead of a recent adventure with his sister Harleymoon, which ultimately strengthened their sibling bond. The 32-year-old television presenter and his sister recently won 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 mobile phones.
The siblings crossed the finish line just two minutes ahead of Strictly Come Dancing star Molly Rainford and her fiancé Tyler West, with six hours separating them from third-place finishers Ani Rani and her father Bal. Derry Girls actor Dylan Llewellyn and his mother Jackie came fourth after having to withdraw due to insufficient funds. The final leg of the competition saw contestants navigate a 1,000km route from Medellín to Colombia’s Guajira Peninsula.
Before the show, Roman and Harleymoon admitted they weren’t as close as they would have liked, their busy professional lives limiting opportunities to spend quality time together. However, Roman revealed that a crucial 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 ever have 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 on that day.”
Harleymoon, 36, told the BBC that one of the main motivations for participating in the show was simply spending a month alone with her brother. “We haven’t lived together since we were 15 years old,” she explained. “So we obviously love each other, brother and sister, but we don’t hang out just us. We don’t get time — Roman’s got a busy schedule, I’ve got a busy schedule… Being able to have a month that is just me and him, I feel like I’m about to meet Roman again as a person, and I look forward to that so much.”
The experience has left the siblings determined to prioritise more time together in the future. Harleymoon told the You About? podcast: “I hope we continue to see each other more. I don’t think we saw each other much at all, other than at mum and dad’s house really. It’s such a different thing. That’s why I was really looking forward to doing the race.” Roman added: “Now I feel it’s easier to hang out with you because I know you. I can piece together the bits I never understood… Now I know why, and you’re not being difficult, it’s just part of you.”
Reflecting on their parents’ concerns ahead of the competition, Roman said: “Harley is wild, party, fun — like the complete opposite of me. Boring is what I am. It was really interesting, and that’s why I was quite worried… and my mum and dad were so scared about us arguing, but you’ll have to see.”
Growing up in the public eye, Roman and Harleymoon were exposed to showbusiness from an early age. Their father, Martin Kemp, 64, toured globally as Spandau Ballet’s bass player before becoming a beloved soap actor, notably as Steve Owen in EastEnders. Their mother, Shirlie Kemp, was a backing vocalist for WHAM!
The siblings have since carved out their own paths in entertainment. Roman began his career at Capital Radio before moving into television, and he now co-hosts The Festive Finish Line on BBC One alongside Sarah Greene. Harleymoon has pursued a successful career in country music, building a growing following as an artist.
Their shared adventure on Celebrity Race Across the World has not only tested their resilience but also deepened a sibling bond that the two hope will continue long after the cameras have stopped rolling.
