**Roman Kemp Set to Return for Soccer Aid After Infamous Injury Incident with Welsh Rugby Icon**
Roman Kemp, well-known for his role as a charismatic broadcaster and presenter, is preparing to make his latest appearance in Soccer Aid this weekend, returning to Old Trafford as one of the most recognisable faces in the star-studded charity fixture. The annual England versus Rest of the World clash, which raises substantial funds for UNICEF, has become a fixture on the celebrity sporting calendar – and Kemp’s involvement guarantees a mixture of entertainment, competitiveness, and a few good-humoured mishaps.
Kemp, born in Los Angeles but with strong British ties, has become something of a Soccer Aid veteran. Initially selected for the Rest of the World squad thanks to his dual nationality, Kemp was a mainstay in the 2019 and 2020 line-ups. Unfortunately, he missed out in 2021 due to a positive Covid-19 test but was able to return to the pitch the following year. Switching allegiances, this year sees Kemp donning the renowned England shirt as he gears up for another much-anticipated showdown.
The presenter’s interest in football extends beyond mere charity matches. Kemp frequently delves into issues of family, celebrity and personal challenges, topics that have recently featured on his podcast ‘You About?’, co-hosted with fellow Soccer Aid participant Tom Grennan. During a candid discussion, Kemp offered insights into the challenges experienced by his famous parents – Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet and EastEnders fame, and Shirlie Kemp, previously of the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie.
In that conversation, Roman Kemp opened up about the family’s financial struggles stemming from his father’s serious health battles. Martin Kemp underwent major surgery in the late 1990s after doctors discovered two brain tumours, with radiotherapy required to treat the second. While the procedures were largely successful, lingering side effects remain, with the elder Kemp contending with epilepsy and dyslexia, casting a long shadow over the family for many years.
Speaking with a blend of honesty and humour, Roman explained how the family once relied on paid magazine appearances to bolster their income while his father was unable to work, adding a layer of relatability unusual for celebrities of such profile. The story also comes amidst Martin Kemp’s recent revelation about his health, in which he speculated, with characteristic frankness, about his future.
Outside of Soccer Aid, Roman Kemp has thrown himself into numerous charity football efforts – though not always without incident. In one particularly memorable encounter last year, a charity match aimed at supporting Josh’s Smile and The Bradley Lowery Foundation featured Kemp taking on a team from Wales, including legendary former Welsh rugby winger Shane Williams. The match, hosted at Swansea.com Stadium, was notable for both its competitive edge and its commitment to good causes.
Shane Williams, a renowned figure in Welsh rugby circles, had already achieved a remarkable feat with a morning charity cycle ride spanning 100 miles before heading for his cameo at the Swansea match. Despite his fatigue, Williams entered the fray just after half-time only to find himself on the receiving end of a robust challenge from Kemp. The incident resulted in Williams leaving the pitch with a dislocated finger and a pulled hamstring for his troubles.
Reflecting on the event through social media and during an appearance on the Sportin Wales podcast, Williams explained that the injury occurred as the result of an “absolute clattering” by Kemp. Expressing his trademark good humour, he joked that despite his wounds, the victory for Wales over England was some consolation, even if the physical toll was not the highlight of his illustrious sporting career.
Kemp’s accidental injury on one of Welsh rugby’s giants has now become part of the lore surrounding celebrity charity matches – a reminder that while the stakes may be friendly, the intensity is very real. His ability to brush off the incident and carry on with the good-natured rivalry between nations only cements his status as a key figure in the contemporary British charity sports scene.
As this year’s Soccer Aid draws near, fans and participants alike will be hoping for a spirited contest, large crowds and plenty of memorable moments – ideally with fewer injuries. What remains clear is that, for Roman Kemp, these matches represent more than a kickabout; they’re occasions for raising funds, building relationships, and sometimes, inadvertently, making headlines for reasons he couldn’t predict.