Roman Kemp, the charismatic 32-year-old presenter who’s won hearts on The One Show and Capital Radio, has revealed a deeply personal reason for turning down repeated invitations to join the glitzy dancefloor of Strictly Come Dancing. Despite his infectious energy and natural charm, the son of Spandau Ballet bassist Martin Kemp and former WHAM! singer Shirlie Holliman has chosen to step away from the sequins and spotlights, and his explanation is both poignant and relatable.
Roman’s journey in the spotlight began with his early days hosting a Sunday morning slot on Capital Radio. His talent and warmth quickly propelled him to the coveted breakfast show in 2017, where he became a household name. However, his departure from the station in 2024 was marked by heartbreak following the tragic loss of his colleague and friend, Joe Lyons. Since 2022, Roman has been a familiar face on The One Show, co-hosting alongside Alex Jones, and has also made waves on reality TV, securing third place on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2019 and bringing laughs on Celebrity Gogglebox.
Yet, despite being a natural fit for Strictly Come Dancing—the BBC’s dazzling dance competition that has captivated audiences for years—Roman has consistently declined their offers. On his You About? podcast, while chatting with singer Tom Grennan, Roman opened up about the emotional reason behind his decision. “I get asked each year, [but] it’s not really for me,” he admitted. “I don’t think I could set myself up for the criticism. I’m very sensitive, and I think it would terrify me.”
His candid confession reveals a vulnerability that resonates with many. Behind the confident exterior lies a man who fears the harsh scrutiny that comes with the Strictly spotlight. “I love it and I respect it massively,” Roman continued, acknowledging the show’s magic. He even referenced former Love Island star Dani Dyer, who was recently forced to withdraw from this year’s competition after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals. “She was well upset about that, and I completely get that,” Roman said, emphasizing his admiration for the show but standing firm in his choice to avoid it.
Roman playfully suggested that Tom Grennan would “do really well” on Strictly, though he warned the singer to “steer clear of injury.” Tom, however, laughed off the idea, citing his own “dodgy ankles” as a potential hurdle. “If all else fails, maybe I will go on Strictly. Who knows,” Tom quipped, leaving the door open for a future dancefloor debut.
Dani Dyer’s exit from Strictly was a blow to fans, as the reality star shared her devastation after a rehearsal mishap. “I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny,” she explained in a statement. “I thought I had rolled my foot, but it swelled up badly over the weekend, and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.” Advised by doctors to step back, Dani expressed her heartbreak: “To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita [Kuzmin], but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”
Stepping into Dani’s shoes is West End star and fellow Love Island alum Amber Davies, who won the third series alongside Kem Cetinay. Amber’s arrival promises to bring fresh energy to the Strictly stage, but for Roman Kemp, the dancefloor remains a dream he’s not ready to chase—not for lack of talent, but for a deeply human fear of judgment.
Roman’s story is a reminder that even the brightest stars carry vulnerabilities. His choice to prioritize his emotional well-being over the glitz of Strictly is a powerful testament to self-awareness, making him all the more relatable to fans who adore him. While we won’t see Roman waltzing or jiving anytime soon, his honesty and heart continue to shine brighter than any glitterball.