Roman Kemp was left bewildered when his dad, Martin, dropped a phrase that baffled him while talking about his marriage to his wife, and Roman’s mum, Shirlie Holliman. 

During a recent instalment of their podcast FFS! My dad is Martin Kemp, the duo discussed some heated exchanges.

However, Roman, 32, was left confused when the Spandau Ballet star, 63, casually mentioned that his wife, Shirlie, has given him some stern ‘tongue lashings’ throughout their 37-year marriage. 

Fearing the term might be an unusual innuendo, Roman blurted out an expletive in astonishment, demanding clarification from his famous father. 

Despite the peculiar choice of words, the moment sparked a fit of laughter between them. 

Martin began: ‘Shirlie gives me some good tongue lashings…you know exactly what I mean when I say tongue lashings…She’s good at it, she’s good at the old tongue lashing, she will know when and how to put me down.

Roman Kemp was left bewildered when his dad, Martin, dropped a phrase that baffled him while talking about his marriage to his wife, and Roman’s mum, Shirlie Holliman (pictured 2021)

During a recent episode of FFS! My dad is Martin Kemp, Martin, 63, casually mentioned that his wife, Shirlie, has given him some stern ‘tongue lashings’ throughout their 37-year marriage (Martin, Shirlie, and Roman pictured 2019)

Reacting to his dad’s initial remark, Roman exclaimed: ‘What the actual f*** does that mean? That is horrendous, that’s the worst thing you’ve ever said. I can see the headline now, that is horrendous.’ 

As they both tried to stifle their laughter, Martin expressed his affection, saying: ‘I love coming in here and talking to you.

‘When I’m out and about even with my mates. I never laugh as much as when I’m sitting here with you, talking to you.’ 

While Martin has been enjoying the perks of podcasting with his son, it’s not all smooth sailing. 

Roman previously opened up about the pressures of being a celebrity’s child, admitting to his dad that he feels the weight of expectation. 

The father-son duo also locked horns over what defines a solid work ethic. Martin praised Roman, saying: ‘You’ve got a great work ethic. 

‘Is work ethic…is that another way of saying you work your b***s off?’ But Roman wasn’t having it, countering with: ‘Good work ethic isn’t you working your b******s off. It’s about a balance between work and life split whilst maintaining drive.’

Roman then expressed his internal conflict, confessing: ‘Can you maintain drive and ambition alongside being true to yourself and understanding who you are?

Fearing the term might be an unusual innuendo, Roman blurted out an expletive in astonishment, demanding clarification from his famous father (pictured previously on the podcast)

Martin began: ‘Shirlie gives me some good tongue lashings…you know exactly what I mean when I say tongue lashings…She’s good at it, she’s good at the old tongue lashing,’ (Martin and Shirlie pictured 2023)

Reacting to his dad’s initial remark, Roman exclaimed: ‘What the actual f*** does that mean? That is horrendous, that’s the worst thing you’ve ever said’ (both pictured previously on Saturday Kitchen)

Read More Roman Kemp reveals horrifying moment involving father Martin that cost them a million pounds: ‘I was stupid’

‘I struggle with that mᴀssively because I just…honestly, I just run myself into a moment where I’m like, “I don’t care anymore. I don’t care. Like, sack it all off”.’

Despite the tension, Roman has always felt a special bond with his dad. He previously told OK! Magazine: ‘I don’t think I’ve ever felt like we weren’t friends, which is probably a bit strange to some people.’ 

He added that football chats about Arsenal have been a staple in their relationship, just like with his mates. 

He said: ‘Football has been a big part of it. I’ll call my dad and speak about Arsenal in the same way I’ll call my friends and talk about Arsenal.

‘Even as a kid it wasn’t, “Oh, my dad’s taking me out for the day”, it was just like going out with a friend.’