Celebrity Race Across the World's Roman Kemp thanks sister Harleymoon for 'saving his life' in desperate phone call
The star was at rock bottom when he turned to Harleymoon for helpCelebrity Race Across the World‘s Roman Kemp will tonight break down in tears as he thanks his sister Harleymoon for “saving his life”.
Roman, 32, has been open about his battle with his mental health during this year’s series of the BBC show.
In Thursday’s episode, Roman speaks to Harleymoon about his darkest day which saw him almost take his own life.
In a very touching scene, he then apologises to his sister for ‘what he put her through’ and tells her he loves her.
Celebrity Race Across the World: Roman Kemp ‘thanks’ Harleymoon
The siblings and their competitors are on the fifth leg of their race when Roman opens up about that dreadful day. He is busy working in the jungle when he reflects on what he could have missed out on.
Roman tells the cameras: “There’s been moments in my life where I didn’t even want to be here anymore. This shows there is stuff worth living for.
“There was a bad time. I remember one moment where it was really bad. I just remember my mum passing the phone to Harley and Harley just trying to talk to me and distract me.
“She was keeping me on the phone so my mum could get in the car and drive to me. What I do know is that conversation between my mum and Harley might have saved my life on that day.”
Roman admits he has never spoken properly to Harleymoon about that day. So later in the evening, he decides it’s time.
Sitting on the beach, he tearfully tells Harleymoon: “You know I’ve had moments in my life where I didn’t want to be here anymore. We had that day where it was really bad for me. The more I think about it, it was you on the phone to me until mum got there.
“I can’t even remember what that conversation was but I knew I was safe if I stayed on the phone. I feel bad because I never call said thanks for that. I’m so sorry I put you guys through that.”
Harleymoon becomes tearful as she hugs her brother. She tells him: “I just want you to be okay. I just want you to be happy, Ro.”
Roman continues: “I’m sorry that I don’t tell you enough that I love you.” Harleymoon tells him she loves him back.
Roman’s mental health journey
Celebrity Race Across the World has really given Roman a chance to reflect on his mental health journey. Earlier in the series, he told Harleymoon he had stopped taking anti-depressants after 15 years.
He admitted: “Don’t get me wrong, they really helped me through a really bad part of my life. But I’ve not known since I was 15 who I am, what makes me sad or what makes me emotional, what makes me happy.
“I am finding it hard. I’m discovering panic attacks again and anxiety attacks. Doing something like this, for me, is such a test of how I’m going to react emotionally.”
Harleymoon has also found the trip enlightening as to how her brother feels. She told him back: “Prior to this trip, I guess I just thought you were a bit of a worrier for the sake of worrying. But I do feel like I’m getting to understand you better.”
Roman has since been praised for speaking publicly about his mental health by former contestant, Jeff Brazier. Away from the show, he also fronted the BBC documentary show Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency.
The programme explored the mental health crisis affecting young men. He filmed it following the tragic death of his best friend. Joe Lyons, who was a producer for Capital FM, took his own life in August 2020.
Next week, Roman and Harleymoon will be seen making their final journey on Celebrity Race Across the World as the show draws to a close.
Read more: I’m A Celebrity fans know why Martin Kemp is avoiding elimination as his son Roman asks: “How?!”
If you or anyone you know needs help dealing with mental health struggles, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
