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- Roman Kemp opened up on Celebrity Race Across the World about a pivotal mental health crisis he faced, supported by his sister and mum.
- Fans praised Roman for his honesty and courage in discussing mental health, highlighting the importance of seeking help.
- Roman has been an advocate for mental health awareness, spurred by personal losses and a commitment to help others.
Celebrity Race Across the World fans were moved after Roman Kemp opened up about just how far his struggles with mental health went.
The TV and radio personality, 32, is undertaking the globe-trotting BBC reality series with his sister Harleymoon, which has proven to be just as much an emotional as a physical journey.
Roman has long been candid about his battle with depression, anxiety and, in more recent years, PTSD.
On Thursday night’s episode, he emotionally shared one ‘really bad night’ where a phone call with his sister and mum was the only thing keeping him afloat.
He told the camera: ‘It was a bad time in my life. I remember one moment in particular where it was really bad.
‘I just remember my mum passing the phone to Harley and Harley trying to just talk to me, just to distract me and keep me on the phone so that my mum could get in the car and drive to me.’
As he started to tear up, he added: ”I don’t know if I ever have actually spoken to Harley about that call. What I do know is that the conversation between my mum and Harley might have saved my life on that day.’
In this episode, the teams were travelling to Medellin in Colombia during a particularly challenging leg of the race, when Roman and Harley sat down for a moment to reflect on that difficult night.
‘I can’t even remember what the conversation was, but I knew that I was safe if I stayed on the phone. And I feel bad because I never really said thanks for that,’ Roman said through tears as Harley leaned in to envelop him in a hug.
The courageous words and sweet moment of sibling bonding made fans emotional as they praised the Kemp duo for their bravery in the face of the most serious mental health struggles.
‘Huge respect to Roman Kemp for opening up about his Mental Health on Celebrity Race Across The World tonight. It’s ok to not be ok and it’s so refreshing to see him show vulnerability,’ Ryan Glendenning wrote on X.
‘For Roman to be so open about this deeply painful time in his life shows so much courage, as well as proof that things really can get better if you can just hang in there,’ Juliet shared.
‘I have such huge admiration for Roman talking so open & honestly about his mental health challenges & just feeling those raw emotions. There’s no shame in saying you’re not ok,’ Nicola Peach added.
‘The hardest part is opening up on such private matters. Mental health is serious. Respect to Roman Kemp for coming through those times. It can be a daily challenge,’ Yousaf said.
‘Roman Kemp, you just speaking about how low you have been tonight may make a difference to someone else to have the conversation that help is always there! Hope you are doing ok,’ Manda shared.
Need support?
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
‘So glad Roman’s doing better. Harley is a fantastic sister,’ Surpriya Kaur praised.
‘Roman Kemp, you’re breaking my heart. I’m so glad you got the help you needed, you’re right, there’s a lot to live for,’ karenkellytae echoed.
Roman has been an advocate for raising mental health awareness, especially among men, for several years.
He was deeply impacted by the death of his best friend, Capital FM producer Joe Lyons, who took his own life in 2020 and has since created documentaries such as Our Silent Emergency and The Fight for Young Lives.
The One Show host wasn’t the only contestant to open up about their most vulnerable moments in the latest episode.
Another pair, actor Dylan Llewllyn and his mum, Jackie, previously opened up about the deep impact of Dylan’s brother James’ suicide aged 20, which was met with an outpouring of support.
In last night’s episode, Jackie shared that her first husband was hit by a car and died just days before her son James was born.
Swimming in the water, Jackie poignantly reflected: ‘When I’m in nature, I feel like I’m close to heaven or something. I think through losses I have, I feel closer to them when I’m in those moments of serenity and beauty.’
Celebrity Race Across the World will air next Thursday at 8pm on BBC One.
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