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  Images: @ROMANKEMP 

 

 

 

[Life](/luxegen/life)

 /  21 May 2024  

#  Roman Kemp On His Career, Documentary &amp; Being A ‘Nepo Baby’  


From presenting the Capital FM breakfast show to working on The One Show and creating an incredibly moving documentary surrounding the UK’s mental health crisis, radio host and all-round media personality Roman Kemp has had a pretty impressive career so far. Here, he takes us back to the start, before giving us the inside scoop on his latest campaign and music favourites…  


BySapna Rao

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  Images: @ROMANKEMP 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/MQNNWrB-3mY9uS9KJvb3G2NI7y8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F05%2Froman-kemp.png?itok=fdCza1W0)

 

 ](https://www.instagram.com/romankemp/) 

 

 

 

 

 

**Like most kids, I wanted to be a footballer or astronaut**. It sounds quite out there but I’ve always loved both industries – sports and space. I would still say yes to going into space, even if there was only a 50:50 chance of coming back – I’m just so fascinated by it.

**The coolest thing about the job I do** – and what I’m most grateful for – is that I’ve been able to manifest my interests in one way or another. I’ve gotten as close as it is possible to living out my childhood dreams. That’s never been lost on me. For example, a goal of mine was to have our radio show broadcast in space. We actually ended up doing a live link up and interview with the International Space Station, which is unheard of. Another moment was during my last week of radio where I got to do a show from Arsenal’s Emirates stadium. It’s the best part of it all for me, rather than the fame – people who see it the other way around are doing it wrong.

 

 I wanted to get my foot in the door anywhere I could as a runner or assistant – but no one replied... My mum then gave me some really good advice; I needed to show them what I could do, not just tell them.  
 

 



 

 

**It was very easy to follow a similar career path to my parents.** It’s just the result of growing up in a household surrounded by musicians, actors and broadcaster. I will always carry the ‘Nepo baby’ title and I understand the privilege that comes with this. It gave me a better insight into the industry, so I like to think I understand how it all works. It’s surprisingly not marred my view of the industry though. If anything, it made me think that if I had kids who were interested in it, I’d support them. At the end of the day, the hard work is down to the individual.

**I had to make my way in this industry on my own.** I didn't go to uni or do A Levels and by the time I was about 19 I was in a bit of a rut. I didn't know what I wanted to do but I knew I wanted to take something I loved and turn it into a job. I emailed and reached out to every football related place I could think of – everything from Sky Sports to the BBC. I wanted to get my foot in the door anywhere I could as a runner or assistant – but no one replied. My mum then gave me some really good advice; I needed to *show* them what I could do, not just tell them. At the time the only way was via YouTube, so I took things into my own hands.

 

 [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/jZu4MQxWPJbDAD3u7EZpT7RMcoo=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F05%2Fnew-lg-roman-kemp-interview_0.png?itok=lg1jOPLQ)

 

 ](https://www.instagram.com/romankemp/?hl=en) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**I started my own YouTube Channel.** I did it to prove that I loved football and could talk about and present shows about it, too. Sooner or later, I started getting noticed by the people I’d initially emailed and slowly started getting presenting work. I even worked behind the camera for a bit. Then, one day, I was filming for quite a big job on a big channel and one of their presenters didn't arrive – so I put myself forward. While I had a huge leg up, at the end of the day it’s all about grafting.

**My** **key piece of advice to anyone looking to enter this industry is not to rely on luck.** My mum would always tell me it’s about when preparation meets opportunity – I really believe that. Also, be a yes person. If someone asks if you can do something, put your hand up – even if you think you can’t do it.

**A pinch myself moment was** **when my documentary is being shown in schools nationwide.** *Our Silent Emergency* explores the mental health and suicide crisis affecting young men, which I worked on after losing someone close to me. It’s been three years since we released it but the fact that the documentary is still doing the rounds and making a difference is why we made it in the first place. It also took me to places I never thought it would – for example, having the Prince and Princess of Wales coming to my family home. I feel proud that all this good came from one of the toughest, most horrible moments in my life. On a lighter note – hosting the Brits this year was pretty sick, too.

**I love that I get to speak to and meet people I admire.** Meeting footballers like Thierry Henry, Messi and Zadan has made me seriously starstruck. The other day I actually met Kings Of Leon too, who I loved growing up – so that was pretty amazing.

 

 [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/_cc8oHtXWKjjTykw54PZtiUvq6A=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F05%2Froman-kemp-1.png?itok=F0biJJIn)

 

 ](https://www.instagram.com/romankemp/) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**Being active is important to me.** It’s what I love to do to unwind in my spare time. Most recently I’ve actually been really into reformer Pilates. I’m surprised at how hard it is. I also like going to the sauna –they’re very good for you.

**Artemis is a musician to watch.** I really love listening to full albums – I think it’s the best way to get to know a musician's body of work. Artemis is a really interesting mix between styles like Frank Ocean and Tame Impala – he’s really cool.

**My style is best described as comfortable.** I’m in shorts 99.9% of the time – even in the winter. I’m the least dressy person ever. When I have to wear something smart, I’ll make it happen but otherwise, my staples are tracksuits, caps and gym wear.

 

 Our Silent Emergency explores the mental health and suicide crisis affecting young men, which I worked on after losing someone close to me. I feel proud that all this good came from one of the toughest, most horrible moments in my life.  
 

 



 

 

**My Tiktok FYP is pretty random.** It’s just aliens, that fella that makes the roast potatoes – lots of foodie things actually – and those very in depth 999 calls. It’s basically just a cesspit of “Should I be watching this?” type content.

**I recently worked on a really fun campaign with Oreo, my dad and Pac-Man.** Oreos are something I’ve loved all my life and this new campaign is so smart. Once you get your hands on the OREO PAC-MAN special edition cookies, you can unlock an exclusive limited-edition game. By playing the game you’re in with the chance of winning more prizes. It gets pretty competitive or at least it was with dad and I, so it was a cool one to work on together.

 

*Follow* [*@RomanKemp*](https://www.instagram.com/romankemp/) *on Instagram.*

 

 

 

 

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