Roman Kemp stands as one of the UK’s most recognizable media personalities, known for his charismatic radio hosting on Capital FM’s Breakfast show from 2017 to 2024 and his versatile television career spanning reality TV, documentaries, and presenting roles. Born on January 28, 1993, in Los Angeles to Spandau Ballet bassist Martin Kemp and Wham! backing singer Shirlie Holliman, he grew up immersed in the entertainment world, attending Berkhamsted School in Hertfordshire. This comprehensive guide explores his rise from radio rookie to household name, detailing his career milestones, personal struggles, family ties, and latest ventures as of 2026, including his new Sky Sports role—all structured for quick insights into his life and work.
Early Life
Roman Kemp entered the world in Los Angeles, California, but returned to the UK shortly after, raised primarily in London by famous parents Martin Kemp and Shirlie Holliman. His childhood blended normalcy with celebrity, as he navigated school at Berkhamsted while witnessing his parents’ music careers—Martin with Spandau Ballet and Shirlie with Wham! and Pepsi & Shirlie. This environment sparked his media interest early, though he pursued education first, completing studies at Berkhamsted School where he developed a passion for broadcasting.
Family dynamics shaped his grounded outlook. With an older sister, Harley Moon Kemp, who later joined him on TV adventures like Celebrity Race Across the World in 2025, Roman often credits his parents for instilling resilience amid public scrutiny. Despite the glamour, he faced typical teen challenges, including early mental health awareness that would later define his advocacy work.
Radio Career Launch
Roman Kemp joined Capital FM in November 2014, starting with Sunday mornings from 6-9 am, quickly proving his natural on-air rapport. By 2015, he shifted to Saturday evenings and Sundays, building a youthful audience with humor and celebrity interviews. His big break came in 2017 with Capital Breakfast weekdays 7-10 am, a slot he held until 2024, amassing millions of listeners through viral stunts and candid chats.
The Breakfast show became his signature, featuring pranks on stars like Ed Sheeran and live events across UK cities. Roman’s style—witty, relatable, energetic—earned TRIC Awards for Radio Personality in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He stepped away in 2024 to prioritize mental health, but his radio legacy endures with Capital’s highest ratings during his tenure.
Key Radio Milestones
From 2016-2017, he hosted The Capital Evening Show, honing skills before Breakfast. Hits included Sunday Best sessions with dad Martin Kemp on ITV tie-ins. His departure announcement in February 2024 trended nationwide, highlighting his impact.
TV Presenting Rise
Roman transitioned to TV seamlessly, starting with ITV2’s The Hot Desk and Nick Kicks in 2016. He co-presented 2Awesome with Vick Hope in 2017 and narrated Bromans, showcasing versatility. By 2018, he hit Global Awards with Rochelle Humes, solidifying his red-carpet presence.
Major roles followed: New Year’s Eve Fireworks on BBC One in 2017 and 2019, Children in Need Rocks the 80s backstage. In 2020, Martin & Roman’s Sunday Best on ITV drew family-viewer appeal. As of 2026, he co-presents The One Show on BBC One since 2022 and hosts The Finish Line on BBC One from 2023, with series two commissioned.
Reality TV Appearances
Roman’s 2019 I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! run lasted 22 days, finishing third behind Jacqueline Jossa and Andy Whyment. The jungle showcased his humor and team spirit, boosting his fame. He joined Celebrity Gogglebox in 2019 with Martin, running ongoing.
In 2025, Celebrity Race Across the World with Harley Moon added adventure cred. These stints humanized him, blending competition with family bonds.
Awards and Achievements
Roman secured TRIC Radio Personality wins in 2021, 2022, and 2023, reflecting peer respect. His 2021 National Television Awards nomination for Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency highlighted documentary prowess. Hosting 2024 BRIT Awards with Maya Jama and Clara Amfo marked a career peak.
Other nods include 2023 TRIC repeats and fan-voted accolades. By 2026, Premier League Friday on Sky Sports News cements his sports media pivot. These honors underscore his multi-platform dominance.
Family Background
Son of Martin Kemp—Spandau Ballet star and EastEnders actor—and Shirlie Holliman, Roman inherited showbiz genes. Parents met on Wham! tours, marrying in 1988; Roman’s birth followed in 1993. Sister Harley Moon, a model and influencer, collaborates often, like their 2025 race show.
Family supports his career visibly: Martin’s Gogglebox sofa chats and joint ITV specials like DNA Journey in 2021 revealed ancestry surprises. This tight-knit unit provides emotional anchor amid fame.
Mental Health Advocacy
Roman’s documentaries tackle youth mental health head-on. Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency (2021, BBC Three) exposed UK statistics—suicide as top killer for men under 45—after friend Joe Lyons’ 2019 death. The Fight for Young Lives (2023) pushed policy changes.
He campaigns via The Roman Kemp Campaign, urging workplace mental health screenings. In 2024, post-radio exit, he expanded efforts, speaking at Westminster. His openness resonates, saving lives through raw storytelling.
Personal Struggles
Roman battles anxiety and depression, diagnosed amid radio pressures. Friend’s suicide prompted therapy; he shares panic attack stories publicly. Stepping from Breakfast prioritized recovery, modeling vulnerability for fans.
Recent Projects 2026
As of January 2026, Roman hosts Premier League Friday on Sky Sports News, launched 2025, previewing matches with insider banter. The Finish Line series two on BBC One tests celebs’ endurance. Upcoming Just One Thing co-presenting with Clive Myrie and Zoe Ball eyes lifestyle tips.
Boot Dreams: Now or Never (2023, BBC Three) tracked football hopefuls. Capital’s Summertime Ball and Jingle Bell Ball co-hosting with Chris Stark and Sian Welby packed Wembley. His slate blends sports, charity, and entertainment.
Business Ventures
Beyond media, Roman launched TKEMP loungewear in 2022, offering cozy hoodies and joggers priced £40-£80 online. Partnerships with brands like Gymshark tap fitness fans. He invests in mental health apps, aligning with advocacy.
Public speaking gigs fetch £10,000+ per event, focusing on resilience. No major confirmed ventures in 2026 yet, but Sky role hints at production expansions.
Public Persona
Roman’s charm—cheeky humor, dad jokes, authenticity—endears him. Social media (millions across platforms) shares workouts, family snaps, advocacy. He’s dated sparingly publicly, prioritizing career post-2024 split rumors.
Feuds? Minimal; he’s collaborative, praising co-stars like Maya Jama. Philanthropy includes Concert for Ukraine 2022 presenting.
Practical Information
For Roman Kemp events or appearances:
- Typical show times: Capital FM slots were 6:30-10 am weekdays; check Global Player app for replays.
- Ticket prices: BRIT Awards from £50; Summertime Ball £60+ via Ticketmaster.
- Getting there: Wembley events via London Underground (Jubilee Line to Wembley Park). BBC studios in Salford or London—train from Euston.
- What to expect: High-energy hosting, celeb interviews, live music. Radio listens free via app.
- Visitor tips: Arrive early for queues; follow @romankemp on X for updates. Virtual meets via Capital app contests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Roman Kemp?
Roman Kemp is a British radio host, TV presenter, and actor, best known for Capital FM Breakfast (2017-2024) and BBC’s The One Show. Son of Martin Kemp and Shirlie Holliman, he advocates mental health through documentaries. Born 1993, he blends entertainment with purpose.
What is Roman Kemp’s age?
As of 2026, Roman Kemp is 33 years old, born January 28, 1993, in Los Angeles. He relocated to the UK young, building a career mirroring his parents’ fame. Age fuels his relatable youth appeal.
Why did Roman Kemp leave Capital FM?
Roman quit Capital Breakfast in 2024 to focus on mental health after 10 years, citing burnout. He announced February 12, 2024, thanking fans emotionally on air. Transition led to TV growth.
What shows has Roman Kemp presented?
Key shows include Capital Breakfast, The One Show (2022-present), The Finish Line (2023-present), and BRIT Awards 2024. Reality: I’m a Celeb 2019 (3rd place), Gogglebox with dad. Sports: Premier League Friday (2025+).
Is Roman Kemp related to Martin Kemp?
Yes, Roman is Martin Kemp’s son, with mum Shirlie Holliman. They’ve co-starred on Sunday Best (2020), DNA Journey (2021), and Gogglebox. Family collaborations highlight their bond.
What is Roman Kemp doing now 2026?
In 2026, he hosts Premier League Friday on Sky Sports, The Finish Line on BBC One, and preps Just One Thing. Recent: Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 with sister Harley. Focus: sports and docs.
Did Roman Kemp win I’m a Celebrity?
No, Roman placed third in 2019 series, lasting 22 days. Jacqueline Jossa won; Andy Whyment second. Experience boosted his TV profile immensely.
What mental health work does Roman do?
Roman produced Our Silent Emergency (2021) and The Fight for Young Lives (2023), exposing male suicide stats. The Roman Kemp Campaign pushes employer screenings. Inspired by friend Joe Lyons’ 2019 death.
How tall is Roman Kemp?
Roman Kemp stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm), fitting his athletic presenter build. Visible in jungle challenges and red carpets. Gym routine maintains it.
Has Roman Kemp got a girlfriend?
Roman keeps romance private; no confirmed partner in 2026. Past links to influencers fizzled post-2024 radio exit. Focus remains career and family.
What school did Roman Kemp attend?
He attended Berkhamsted School in Hertfordshire, England, a prestigious co-ed independent. There, drama and sports honed his charisma. Graduated pre-radio career.
Where does Roman Kemp live?
Roman resides in London, UK, near family in areas like Hampstead. Frequent Salford for BBC work. Privacy keeps exact address under wraps.
What awards has Roman Kemp won?
TRIC Radio Personality: 2021, 2022, 2023. NTA doc nod 2021. Hosted events like BRITs cement status. Wins reflect radio dominance.
Can I listen to old Roman Kemp shows?
Yes, Capital FM archives on Global Player app; search “Roman Kemp Highlights.” Podcasts cover best bits free. YouTube clips abound.
What’s Roman Kemp’s net worth?
Estimated £2-4 million in 2026 from radio, TV, endorsements like TKEMP clothing. Speaking fees add £10k+. Growing with Sky deal.
Will Roman Kemp return to radio?
No confirmed plans post-2024 exit; TV focus now. He hinted openness but prioritizes health. Watch Global announcements.
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