The Celebrity Race Across The World star has opened up on the moment that left him in tears and why his father Martin was less than impressed
Martin Kemp and Roman Kemp
Kemp revealed that his dad refused to speak to him for days after threatening to turn his back on his team
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TV and radio presenter Roman Kemp features in the latest series of Celebrity Race Across The World, joining the likes of broadcaster Anita Rani and actor Dylan Llewellyn on the hit BBC show.
The 32-year-old is being accompanied on the adventure by his sister, singer-songwriter Harley Moon, who knows better than anyone that, away from the spotlight, Kemp is a passionate Arsenal fan, having been raised as a Gunner by his father, former Spandau Ballet star - and current I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! contestant - Martin Kemp.
However, The One Show star Kemp has revealed that he nearly abandoned his allegiance to the Gunners because of a magic moment from Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs back in 1999. In what remains one of the most memorable goals in FA Cup history, the Welshman netted a stunning individual strike during extra time of the semi-final against Arsenal, eliminating them from the tournament.
When asked on Sky Sports ' Football Museum about which football memory he would prefer to forget, he responded without hesitation: "Ryan Giggs."
He added: "I can't even listen to that commentary. When that goal went in, it was the first time I ever cried about football, and my dad didn't speak to me for like three days because I said I'm not supporting Arsenal again."
Martin and Roman Kemp
Martin and Roman Kemp(Image: ITV)
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Despite threatening to turn his back on the Gunners, those feelings proved short-lived, and he has remained a loyal supporter of Mikel Arteta's side.
Now part of the line-up for Celebrity Race Across The World, Kemp and the other contestants began their epic journey on the Caribbean Island of Isla Mujeres, with the celebs vying to be the first to cross the finish line in Colombia.
Discussing his decision to join the series, Roman revealed: "It's very much 50/50, reasons for wanting to do this. I am very lucky that I do a lot of stuff with my dad, and I think that the reason I do those things is I can't wait to show my kids or my grandkids what my relationship was like with my dad.
"With this, it's such a privilege to be able to do something so special with your sister. It's such a privilege to be able to have that and to also show that to future generations and to share an experience.
Roman Kemp
Roman Kemp is on the latest edition of Celebrity Race Across The World (Image: Photo by Matt Crossick/WWD via Getty Images)
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"The other side of it is for personal reasons, travelling and seeing new places and seeing different cultures or being in certain experiences has such a great impact on my perspective and what life is about."
He added: "I never got the opportunity to do a gap year because I went straight into work at 16. So, the only version of travel that I know has been if I'm booking myself a holiday which, you want to be nice.
"I've never stepped foot in a hostel in my life, that has never been me. I've gone and seen places, experienced things with television shows, but I've never actually done it off my own accord."
The famous faces will be racing a whopping 5,900km (3,600 miles) to reach the finish line at Peninsula de La Guajira - the gateway to South America.
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