Martin Kemp, the beloved 80s icon and actor, is currently testing his mettle in the Australian jungle as a contestant on ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! For a new generation, he's the campmate braving bushtucker trials, but his career spans decades of pop culture fame.
From New Romantic Bassist to Soap Villain
Kemp first shot to international stardom as the bassist for the legendary New Romantic band Spandau Ballet. Alongside his brother, guitarist Gary Kemp, and frontman Tony Hadley, the group dominated the charts with timeless hits like 'True' and 'Gold'. The band's global success saw them sell over 25 million albums and perform at the historic Live Aid concert in 1985.
In a remarkable career pivot, Martin successfully transitioned into acting. His breakthrough film role came in 1990, portraying gangster Ronnie Kray in The Krays. He later appeared in various projects, including the horror film Embrace of the Vampire and the 2020 rom-com The Loss Adjuster. However, it was his role as the ruthless businessman Steve Owen in BBC's EastEnders that cemented his status as a household name on British television.
Life Beyond the Spotlight: Family and Health
Martin has been married to singer Shirlie Holliman, formerly of Wham! and Pepsi & Shirlie, since 1988. Together they have two children, both of whom have entered the entertainment industry. Their daughter, Harley Moon Kemp, was born in 1989, and their son, Roman Kemp, was born in 1993. Roman is a well-known broadcaster, having presented BBC's The One Show and The Finish Line, and starred in Celebrity Race Across the World with his sister.
In 1997, Kemp faced a profound personal challenge when an MRI scan revealed two brain tumours. One was surgically removed, while the other was treated with radiotherapy. He has also spoken openly about living with tinnitus, a condition he and Shirlie both share, which he speculates may have been caused by years of having his "ear pointed at my amplifiers" during his music career.
The Beat Goes On: Nostalgia and Touring
Now 64 years old, Martin Kemp has never abandoned his musical roots. He regularly tours the UK with his 'Back To The 80s' DJ set, thrilling nostalgic fans with anthems from the decade that made him famous. With a Christmas special and tour dates already scheduled throughout 2026, he shows no signs of slowing down.
His participation in I'm A Celebrity introduces his resilient spirit and charismatic personality to a whole new audience, proving that his career, much like the man himself, continues to evolve and captivate.
