‘It’s so emotional’: Martin and Roman Kemp are left in tears as they learn the Spandau Ballet star’s nan was sent to a workhouse as a child in very ‘touching’ episode of DNA Journey
Martin and Roman Kemp both broke down in tears during a ‘touching’ episode of DNA Journey on Wednesday.
The Spandau Ballet star, 59, discovered his nan Eliza Crisp was sent to a workhouse when she was just 10-years-old after her own mother was put in an asylum.
Viewers also admitted that they were left feeling ’emotional’ during the show, with many praising the ‘lovely’ father-and-son duo’s ‘special bond’.
Emotional: Martin and Roman Kemp both broke down in tears during a ‘touching’ episode of DNA Journey on Wednesday
After learning Eliza’s fate, the Kemps visited the workhouse where their ancestor lived for five years and heard that its harsh conditions were ‘notorious’.
Eliza left the workhouse in 1911 after training to be a maid and married Walter, Martin’s grandfather. They had five children including the star’s dad Frank.
However at the end of the show Martin found out Eliza had a pauper’s funeral in 1950 and was buried in an unnamed grave at St Pancras Church.
He said he’d like to arrange a headstone for his grandmother, taking to Twitter after the show aired to reveal plans for this tribute were underway.
So sad: The Spandau Ballet star, 59, discovered his nan Eliza Crisp was sent to a workhouse when she was just 10-years-old during the show
Speaking through tears to praise his strong family, Martin said: ‘It makes so much sense with how my mum and dad were.
‘My dad was the loveliest man, sometimes it just catches up. It was just nice to know that his mum was too. Now I can see where he got it from. I miss my dad so much.’
Elsewhere in the episode the Kemps went to where Martin grew up in Islington, north London, with Martin revealing there wasn’t a bath or sink.
He explained that there was never ‘any money but it [the house] was filled with love’.
Family: Martin explained how knowing about his grandparent explained why his dad Frank was like how he was, saying he was ‘the loveliest man’ and saying he ‘misses him so much’
Tough scenes: Roman also became teary as he reflected on how lucky he was to have had ‘everything he ever wanted’ growing up
Reflecting on what they’d learnt in the show, Roman admitted it was hitting him hard to see how past generations had struggled.
He said: ‘I’ve had everything I’ve ever wanted. It’s hard because even today I hear about my dad and the house he’s from and knowing the house I’m from,
‘It just goes back.. you hope that the people who set that up for me and my family, you hope they know that.’
Dozens of viewers took to Twitter to praise the Kemps and their story after DNA Journey aired on Wednesday.
Support: The father-and-son duo helped each other through the show
Lovely: Martin and Roman visited Eliza’s paupers grave at the end of the show and said they’d like to put a headstone there in her memory
Update: The Spandau Ballet star told fans they were in the process of putting a headstone on his nana’s grave in a tweet shared after the episode aired on Wednesday
One viewer penned: ‘What a lovely, touching episode of #DNAJourney love the easy, warm relationship between Martin and Roman Kemp.’
And someone else added: ‘Roman Kemp you an absolute credit to your family. I cried watching DNA Journey tonight. The relationship between you and your dad is amazing. Your whole family are wonderful.’
A third fan wrote: ‘#dnajourney Martin and Roman Kemp. Finding Martin’s Nan. So emotional. What a truly amazing lady, with such a sad start, but pushed herself to a better life. Inspirational.’
While another admitted: ‘Martin and Roman Kemp’s #DNAJourney has made me laugh at times but also hit me right in the feels, how lovely are they.’
‘Awwww the Kemp family seem so lovely, sat here trying to not cry as its making me emotional’, tweeted another viewer.
All together: Martin’s wife Shirlie was also seen for some scenes with the family looking at old photographs together
Reaction: Dozens of viewers took to Twitter to say they too were left in tears and praised Martin and Roman’s ‘special bond’
Martin and Roman’s ancestry show comes after the Capital FM DJ said he wants to see his dad follow in his footsteps and take on the I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here jungle for his 60th birthday.
Speaking on This Morning on Tuesday, Roman revealed: ‘I’m still campaigning heavily for I’m a Celeb to have a great time with my dad!’
Roman cracked up with laughter after he told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield of his plan.
And Martin looked less than enthusiastic about the proposal as he closed his eyes and shook his head in dismay at his son’s idea.
Roman came in third place behind Jacqueline Jossa and Andy Whyment when he entered the jungle in 2019.
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