BBC ‘nepotism’ row explodes as The One Show fans fume ‘this is wrong’ over presenter’s family interview: ‘Nepotism at its finest!’

The BBC has found itself at the centre of a “nepotism” row among viewers of the weeknight show, The One Show.

The complaints arose on Thursday evening when hosts Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp revealed that two of their guests happened to be the latter’s parents, Martin and Shirlie Kemp.

While Roman has forged a career for himself as one of the country’s best-known young presenters, his parents too have enjoyed lengthy stints in the spotlight.

Dad Martin was part of the pop group Spandau Ballet and even tried his hand as a soap star in EastEnders, while Shirlie also enjoyed chart success as part of the ’80s pop duo, Pepsi & Shirlie.

On Thursday, the duo joined their son to discuss their upcoming appearance on a special episode of Interior Design Masters, but viewers watching at home were more distracted by the BBC’s booking choice.

Within moments of being introduced, their family ties became the butt of the joke, with dad Martin quipping Shirlie had brought Roman’s washing into the studio.

A family affair on #TheOneShow tonight 🫶
@realmartinkemp and @Shirliekemp will be telling us all about the @BBCCin ‘Interior Design Masters’ special ✨ – and @romankemp is in the hosting seat!

We’re live 👉 https://t.co/TE0AdUYi47 pic.twitter.com/zrOcKyTZZk

— BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) October 31, 2024

An exasperated Roman let out a sigh while co-star Amfo clearly revelled in the awkwardness of the booking.

When the Kemp parents joined their son on the sofa, Amfo kept the references tot heir familial ties coming: “Let’s say hello to Martin and Shirley Kemp – AKA Roman’s parents – and Jake Shears! Look, sit up straight. You’re in the presence of your makers.”

Martin made the “washing” joke a second time, prompting Roman to turn to Scissor Sisters star Shears and quip: “Jake, I’m just going to speak to you tonight.”

Throughout the interview, Roman referred to Martin and Shirlie as “mum and dad” while much of the conversation veered away from the professional standards some fans had come to expect.

So much so, several fans flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to slam the decision to have the Kemp family feature so prominently on the programme.

“Kemps tonight, Dyers tomorrow. Is it Nepotism Week? #theoneshow,” one fan queried on the social media site, referring to the fact Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani would feature on Friday’s show.

Elsewhere, a second sarcastically hit out: “Nepo Baby gets to interview parents. Wow great television. #TheOneShow.”

“@BBCTheOneShow What’s this tonight, ‘Bring Your Parents To Work’ Day #TheOneShow,” a third swiped before a fourth critiqued: “All we’re missing is Gary and we’ve got the full set of Kemps. Jesus. This is just wrong. #TheOneShow.”

“Tonight on #TheOneShow, nepo kid Roman Kemp interviews his parents Martin & Shirlie at his workplace,” a fifth added with an angry emoji while a sixth simply put: “Nepotism at its finest BBC.”

However, there was some support for the Kemp family from their fans, with one viewer arguing amid the row: “3 members of the same family on the #bbctheoneshow & what a great family!” (sic)

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@brits all hail the nepo king @Roman Kemp ♬ original sound – BRITs

The topic of nepotism isn’t new to former Capital presenter Roman who’s been open about his feelings towards the tag before.

He previously told Closer Magazine: “I love the nepo thing. It’s a hot word at the moment. The thing is, if you ask me who I’m most proud of, it’s my parents.

“It hasn’t hindered me having parents in the industry, but I’m not even obsessive over that. My honest opinion is, ‘I don’t care’. I find it fun.

“I love my mum and dad. I’ve learned everything from my parents and the main thing that you learn is work ethic. That’s been the most important.”