Radio and television presenter Roman Kemp has taken a playful swipe at his father, Spandau Ballet star and actor Martin Kemp, for his notable absence from the gruelling Bushtucker Trials on this year's series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Son Calls Out Dad's Jungle Avoidance
With the ITV reality show's eliminations in full swing and the finale scheduled for Sunday night, Martin's own son took to social media to highlight his dad's clean record. On Tuesday evening, Roman Kemp, 32, posted a question to his followers: "Genuine question, is my dad the only one to have not done an actual trial?"
The post quickly garnered attention from fans of the long-running series. One social media user replied pointedly, stating: "If it wasn’t for your posts I’m not sure I would have realised he was on it." This has prompted a wave of support from viewers, many of whom are now vowing to vote for the 64-year-old former EastEnders actor to finally face a trial before the series concludes.
Family Reactions to Martin's Jungle Stint
Roman, who himself finished in third place on the 2019 series of the show, isn't the only family member to have a strong reaction to Martin's jungle adventure. Just days ago, Martin's wife Shirlie Holliman, 63, confessed to feeling "really embarrassed" by his appearance. The singer, famous as one half of Pepsi and Shirlie, told the Daily Mail: "I have been very embarrassed. Having to go out the next day and every day at the gym going 'Ooo, Martin'. But it’s all good, I’m used to it."
Shirlie has since travelled to Australia and was pictured arriving alone at Brisbane Airport, ready to greet her husband when he eventually leaves the jungle via the famous bridge.
From Wheelbarrows to Wedding Vows
Martin has been sharing personal stories with his campmates, including an intimate recollection of his wedding day in St Lucia. He described a basic clifftop ceremony overlooking the Caribbean with just three guests, joking that it was so simple "if you looked into it more you’d find we’re not married!"
In the Bush Telegraph, he credited friendship as the foundation of his long marriage to Shirlie, whom he met in the 1980s after seeing her perform on Top of the Pops. However, one particularly candid story left his son Roman cringing at home. Martin explained to his campmates, including comedian Ruby Wax, how Shirlie's mother once suggested they try the "wheelbarrow" position to aid conception before they were married, due to Shirlie's endometriosis. Martin and Ruby then demonstrated the position, much to the amusement of the camp and the horror of Roman watching from the UK.
As the clock ticks down to Sunday's final, all eyes are on whether the public will finally send Martin Kemp into a Bushtucker Trial, ensuring his jungle experience isn't entirely trial-free.
