Roman Kemp Holds Back Tears as Sian Welby and Chris Stark Surprise Him by Hosting His Penultimate Capital Breakfast Show
It was a morning filled with emotional surprises for Roman Kemp, the beloved host of Capital Breakfast, as he neared the end of his decade-long tenure at the station. The unexpected journey began when Kemp, 31, was blindfolded and transported to a mystery location, unbeknownst to him, the iconic Emirates Stadium, the heart of his favorite football club, Arsenal.
A Surprise of a Lifetime
Co-hosts Sian Welby and Chris Stark had meticulously planned the surprise, aiming to give Kemp a send-off he would never forget. The duo explained to listeners that they had been orchestrating the event in secrecy, aiming to make Kemp’s penultimate show extraordinary. Upon arrival at the Emirates Stadium, Kemp, still blindfolded, expressed a mix of nervous excitement and slight apprehension about the unknown destination.
— roman kemp (@romankemp) March 27, 2024
“I’ve been wearing a blindfold for the past hour or so, since being in this cab. I was slightly worried… But honestly, I’m starting to get nervous now,” Kemp shared with his audience.
The big reveal came when Kemp was instructed to remove his blindfold, unveiling the awe-inspiring setting of Arsenal’s dressing room. The reveal left him speechless and on the verge of tears. “Oh. My. God! This is insane!” he exclaimed, overwhelmed by the gesture.
Emotional Revelations and Heartwarming Moments
Not only was the location a significant surprise, but the show also included personalized touches that tugged at the heartstrings. Chris Stark serenaded Kemp with a guitar rendition of “The Angel (North London Forever),” an Arsenal terrace favorite. Additionally, Kemp was challenged with an Arsenal trivia quiz, with the promise of fulfilling a childhood dream to take a penalty on the Emirates pitch if he succeeded.
Despite failing the quiz, the mood remained jovial, and Sian Welby took the penalty shot, successfully scoring. Further enhancing the emotional depth of the morning, Euro 2022 winning Lionesses Leah Williamson and Beth Mead joined the show virtually, adding to the roster of memorable moments.
As the show neared its end, Kemp expressed his profound gratitude for the effort and love poured into organizing the surprise. “This is unbelievable. Isn’t it?” he remarked, visibly moved by the experience. “I’m nearly crying. I nearly cried when I took that off.”
The conversation then shifted towards Kemp’s forthcoming final show. The realization of its imminent arrival prompted tears from Sian Welby, stirring emotions further. Kemp shared his desire for his last show to be a platform for a heartfelt goodbye to the listeners who had been part of their journey for years.
A Decade of Memories
Roman Kemp’s journey with Capital has been nothing short of remarkable. Since joining the station in 2014 and taking over the Capital Evening Show in 2016, before transitioning to Capital Breakfast in 2017, Kemp has become a staple voice for listeners across the UK. His departure symbolizes the end of an era, not only for Kemp but for the many lives he’s touched throughout his tenure.
Reflecting on his time at Capital, Kemp acknowledged the profound impact the station and its audience have had on his life, crediting them with helping him become the person he is today.
As Kemp prepares to pass the baton to Jordan North, his legacy at Capital Breakfast will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by listeners and colleagues alike—a testament to the power of radio in forging genuine connections and creating unforgettable moments.
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