Roman Kemp speaks out after claiming dad Martin Kemp 'has no friends'

Roman Kemp, known from The One Show and his former stint as a Capital FM DJ, has opened up about his 16-year struggle with depression and ADD. The TV personality found himself in a difficult situation towards the end of last year after remarks about his father's social life were taken out of context.

He clarified that he had no intention of causing offence when he commented that his dad, Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet and EastEnders fame, "does not have one friend". The 31-year-old presenter candidly spoke to Radio Times about his dad's seemingly solitary lifestyle, highlighting how the musician's life is centred around his wife, Shirlie Kemp. Following some negative reactions, Roman has since come forward to elaborate on his comments.

Speaking to Closer magazine, Roman said: "I've gotten a lot of stick because I ended up saying that my dad has no friends, which he doesn't. But it goes back to that thing of, 'What is your happiness in life? ".

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He had initially made the remark about his dad while talking about the isolation that can be part of being famous, but was quick to clarify that he wasn't trying to create a "sob story for famous people", reports the Mirror.

Reflecting on his father's reserved social life, Roman reflected whether alleged past disloyalties by supposed friends have influenced his dad's tight-knit circle. A vocal advocate for mental health awareness, Roman has explored this topic in depth through his BBC documentary, Roman Kemp: The Fight For Young Lives.

The One Show host opened up about his 16-year battle with depression and ADD, admitting he's "still on medication" which has "changed" his life for the better. He shared: "But I need to think, 'Has it positively changed my life, and does it continue to do so? ' And the answer is 'Yes', so why should I change? ".

Discussing his experience with antidepressants, he said: "I have tried to come off Sertraline, but I have realised that way of life is not for me. The only time where I have had real suicidal and intrusive thoughts has been when I came off it cold turkey."

Roman remains positive about the future, highlighting that ADD can be a "great power" as it fuels determination not to let it "get the better of you". Despite occasionally feeling like an "imposter" and facing criticism for being a "nepo baby" due to his famous parents, Roman continues to make his mark in the entertainment industry.

His circle includes celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Harry Styles, and Niall Horan, and he even gets occasional pep talks from Bradley Walsh over the phone, he revealed. While Roman acknowledges the competitive nature of showbiz, he said his greatest fear is not having children, which he considers the "biggest thing".

He revealed: "I even went to have a sperm check when I was 30. I honestly think I'm such a family person. I'm so grateful for the life that I've been able to have growing up... I couldn't think of anything better." For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter