While his screen time on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! may have been limited, Martin Kemp has made every moment count by showering praise on his wife of nearly four decades, Shirlie Kemp (née Holliman). The Spandau Ballet star's affectionate jungle anecdotes about their 37-year marriage have become a highlight, even if some of his more risqué tales left Shirlie blushing back home.
The Unconventional Road to 'I Do'
Martin and Shirlie tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in 1988. The event was far from traditional, taking place on a clifftop in St Lucia with just three people in attendance. Kemp humorously recalled the simplicity of the vows to his campmates, quipping, "I don't even think we're married. If I looked into it more, I think you'd find I'm not married." The proposal was equally unconventional. Martin revealed he never formally asked the question. Instead, Shirlie took matters into her own hands, dragging him into a jeweller's shop and pointing out the ring she wanted.
A Wham!-Assisted Romance
The couple's love story began in the vibrant music scene of the 1980s. Kemp, the bassist for Spandau Ballet, first saw Shirlie when she was a backing singer for Wham! on Top of the Pops and instantly fell for her. After meeting at an after-party, Martin gave her his number, but she didn't call for three weeks. The call finally came thanks to a legendary wingman. George Michael himself picked up the phone and dialled Martin's number, effectively playing cupid for the pair. Their first date even included George as Shirlie's chaperone.
Family Life and Famous Children
Martin and Shirlie are proud parents to two children who have also found fame. Their daughter, Harley Moon Kemp, 36, is a photographer, director, and DJ. Their son, Roman Kemp, 32, is a well-known TV and radio presenter. Roman is no stranger to the I'm A Celebrity jungle, having finished in third place during his own stint on the show in 2019.
Despite the playful embarrassment caused by Martin's candid jungle stories, Shirlie has taken it in her stride. She joked about the reaction at her gym, but affirmed that after 37 years, she's used to his ways. Their enduring partnership, forged in the heyday of 80s pop and strengthened by family, remains one of showbiz's most steadfast love stories.
