Spandau Ballet icon and celebrated actor Martin Kemp has shared chilling details of a near-fatal chainsaw accident that threatened to derail his entertainment career entirely.
The 62-year-old musician and actor, best known for his role as Steve Owen in EastEnders, revealed the terrifying incident occurred while he was attempting some routine gardening work at his home.
The Moment Everything Changed
"I was cutting down a tree and the chainsaw just came back at me," Kemp recounted, describing the heart-stopping moment when the powerful tool rebounded and struck him directly in the chest.
The severity of the injury immediately became apparent as Kemp realised he was in serious trouble. "I looked down and saw the damage," he said, recalling the panic that set in as he comprehended the gravity of the situation.
Emergency Response and Recovery
Emergency services were quickly dispatched to Kemp's property, with paramedics providing critical initial treatment before transporting him to hospital for urgent medical attention.
Doctors later confirmed the chainsaw had come dangerously close to causing catastrophic, potentially fatal damage. The blade narrowly missed vital organs and major arteries by mere centimetres.
Career Implications and Reflection
During his recovery period, Kemp faced significant anxiety about whether he would be able to return to his acting and musical commitments. The physical trauma raised serious questions about his future in the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on the incident, Kemp expressed profound gratitude for his survival. "I consider myself incredibly lucky," he stated. "It could have been so much worse, and I don't take that for granted."
Return to Public Life
Thankfully, Kemp has made a full recovery and has since returned to his professional endeavours, including recent television appearances and musical projects with Spandau Ballet.
The scare has given him a renewed perspective on life and safety. "You never think something like this will happen to you," he mused. "Now I'm much more cautious about even the simplest tasks."
