Shirlie Kemp Reveals How Son Roman’s Plea Rescued Their Family During Frightening Period
Shirlie Kemp, former backing singer for Wham!, recently shared a poignant family story highlighting her son Roman’s role in averting a disaster during a holiday in 2004. Shirlie, 63, and her husband Martin Kemp, known for his role in EastEnders and as a member of Spandau Ballet, were planning a trip when Roman, then just nine years old, insisted on visiting The Bahamas instead of their intended destination, Thailand.
Roman’s Plea for a Caribbean Adventure
During a recent episode of “Travel Secrets the Podcast,” Shirlie revealed that Roman was fixated on experiencing a thrilling waterslide at the Atlantis Hotel, which passes through a tank filled with sharks. Despite Shirlie’s desire for a more spiritual journey in Thailand, they ultimately agreed to Roman’s request, not knowing how significant this decision would be.
A Near Miss with Catastrophe
This choice proved fortunate, as the Boxing Day tsunami struck Thailand in December 2004, resulting in approximately 200,000 fatalities across 14 countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Shirlie expressed her gratitude for listening to her child’s wishes, reflecting on the potential danger they avoided.
Adventurous Yet Hazardous Experiences
The family’s adventures weren’t without perils. Martin recounted a terrifying incident during a rally in Vietnam, where Shirlie lost control of their Mini and flipped it over in a rice paddy.
- Shirlie was driving while Martin served as navigator.
- The car’s roll bar design posed serious risks.
- Martin got trapped inside the overturned vehicle, leading to an emergency rescue.
Martin described his panic when he realized his hand was pinned and turning blue. Fortunately, local workers noticed their plight and helped rescue him, transporting him to a hospital resembling a small shack.
Grateful for Survival
Shirlie later explained that the accident stemmed from a navigation error caused by Martin’s knee bumping the system just before they hit a sharp bend. Despite these harrowing experiences, both Shirlie and Martin have maintained their adventurous spirits.
Currently, Martin is appearing on “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” while Roman competes in “Celebrity Race Across the World” alongside his sister, Harleymoon. Their family stories continue to captivate audiences as they share their journey on various platforms.
