Roman Kemp has disclosed the remarkable incident that led to his sisters “despising” him – and reduced his father, Martin Kemp, to tears.
The radio host and television personality opened up about the poignant family memory while discussing the significance of meaningful gift-giving, revealing how one perfectly chosen present remains unforgettable in the Kemp household.
The former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! contestant, who finished third in the 2019 series, has often shared touching stories about his close-knit family. Yet even in a household accustomed to big occasions, Roman admitted that one particular Christmas changed everything, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Discussing his festive shopping strategy, he said: “I'm an exclusively online shopper. I always just say to the person, 'Tell me what you want.' But I'm very good at sentimental gifts.”
He went on to reveal the story behind the present that brought his dad to tears. He said: “I'll give you a tip you can use for your mum or dad. Did I ever tell you about my dad's Christmas present? Did I ever tell you about my dad's Christmas present? He was constantly talking about it. Whenever Christmas came around, he would say, ‘Ah, I always wanted this. I always wanted this.’ It was called a Johnny 7 gun."
The Johnny 7 OMA gun, a beloved children’s toy from the 1960s, had become something of a legendary item for Martin, who frequently mentioned never having owned one as a child. Determined to make his father’s wish come true, Roman scoured the internet.
“He always wanted the Johnny 7 gun. It was like an Action Man-type thing with seven guns in one. Then, one Christmas, I was like, 'I'm gonna find it, I'm gonna find it,' and I found it,” he recalled.
“There was this guy on eBay selling it brand new in the box. It was crazy. Now, I'm not joking—my sister's hated me ever since that day, because nothing else would ever top that. He was crying, I even got it on video. I was like, 'Yes!'”
Martin’s emotional reaction was hardly surprising. Audiences have seen both father and son openly display their feelings on television and while hosting their FFS My Dad Is Martin Kemp podcast. The former Spandau Ballet bassist is currently following in his son’s footsteps by taking part in this year’s season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Roman has been encouraging fans to keep voting for Martin to stay in the jungle, even making a heartfelt revelation about his father. Roman, who is currently competing in BBC’s Celebrity Race Across the World, revealed his dad “doesn't have mates,” meaning his time on I’m A Celebrity will be very meaningful to him.
Posting on Instagram today, following model Kelly Brook’s elimination, Roman said: “Some have said my dad's not having a nice time in there or not enjoying it. He is really loving it. I said this last night, but I think a few of you think I'm just bantering. Something I have noticed is my dad keeps saying 'my new friends.' He genuinely doesn't have mates outside of my mum, Harley, and me, so he means it—he’ll really be chuffed. Again, not being mean, that's the truth.”
Following her departure, Brook said she would be “so happy” if the former EastEnders actor won the show. This came after Irish television personality Vogue Williams admitted she was “sad to leave” on Monday. Comedian Eddie Kadi was voted off on Sunday, while sports broadcaster Alex Scott left the camp on Friday evening.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! airs at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX & STV Player followed by I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked which airs nightly after the main show on ITV2, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
