Emily Bashforth
Published November 24, 2025 6:40pm
Updated November 24, 2025 6:40pm
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
Martin and Shirley Kemp are one of British TV’s sweetest couples (Picture: David Parry Media Assignments/PA Wire)
Key Points
summary__ai-icon
- Martin Kemp shares heartwarming moments from his marriage to Shirlie Holliman, introduced by George Michael in the 1980s
- The star reflects on family life, raising kids Roman and Harley Moon, who are also in the entertainment industry
- Martin jokes about the possibility of not being legally married due to missing paperwork from his St Lucia wedding
He’s best known for being the bassist in Spandau Ballet and playing Steve Owen in EastEnders, but now Martin Kemp is facing his fears in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2025.
The entertainer, 64, entered the jungle alongside some big names, such as Jack Osbourne, Ruby Wax, Kelly Brook, Aitch, Alex Scott, and Lisa Riley.
So far, he’s been somewhat of a father figure in camp, regaling funny stories from his career – such as the time he auditioned for James Bond – and giving it his all in the challenges.
And he’ll be hoping to replicate the success of son Roman Kemp, or perhaps even better his position, after the radio DJ finished third in the show’s 19th series in 2019.
Get personalised updates on I'm A Celeb
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
Speaking ahead of his jungle stint, Martin admitted he’d been seeking tips from his famous offspring, who told him ‘not to take it seriously’ and ‘just enjoy’ the experience.
So, let’s take a dive into Martin’s life away from camp, including his marriage to pop star Shirlie Holliman, 63.
The actor and musician is facing his fears in the I’m A Celebrity jungle this series (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
How many children does Martin Kemp have?
Away from the spotlight, Martin has two adult children with his wife, Shirlie.
Together, they share TV presenter son Roman, 32, and daughter Harley Moon, 36, both of whom are currently competing on BBC’s Celebrity Race Across the World.
Speaking to The Netmums Podcast in 2023, musician Martin reflected on his parenting techniques and how he and Shirlie raised their kids, having learnt that ‘the more you listen, the better your kids are’.
‘I wanted us four to become like a gang,’ he explained. ‘I think it was more from the fact that Shirlie and I grew up from the age of, like, 17/18 as being famous within bands. And so I think what happens is, when you’re famous, you want to pull the walls up.
‘You build the moat around yourself so that you and your family are safe.
His son, Roman, placed third in I’m A Celeb in 2019 (Picture: Jim Dyson/Redferns)
‘In the end, it did us a favour because what we achieved was the four of us became best friends.’
Is Martin Kemp married to Shirlie Holliman?
Martin and Shirlie have been going strong for decades, having married the Pepsi & Shirlie singer in 1988.
In fact, a very famous musician had a role to play in them getting together in the first place, as it was George Michael who played Cupid.
Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2019, Martin shared: ‘I’d seen Wham! on Top of the Pops singing Young Guns, and I couldn’t take my eyes off Shirlie. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I’d seen.
‘Two weeks later, we were at some VIP screening, and there she was. I gave her my number, but she didn’t call me for three weeks.’
Shirlie chimed in to defend herself: ‘It wasn’t because I didn’t want to call. He was this big pop star, and I was scared he would be a proper pop star. He was so good-looking.’
Martin and Shirlie also have a daughter, Harley Moon (Picture: Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The late Michael then finally took the number from her when she was at his house, asking when she was going to make the call.
‘He called the number and gave me the phone.
‘Martin’s mum answered, and I said, “Is Martin there, please?” She asked who it was, and I was so embarrassed; she probably had girls phoning all the time for him.
‘Then he came on and said, “I’m so pleased you called”.’
Since making his I’m A Celeb debut, Martin has had nothing but fond things to say about his other half as she watches on at home, having sweetly declared his love for her in the Bush Telegraph.
Martin told cameras: ‘Shirlie is everything for me; everything I do in my life, I do it for her.’
Martin joked that he and Shirlie aren’t legally married (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
‘I got married in St Lucia on a clifftop overlooking the Caribbean with just three people,’ he added.
Noting how basic their nuptials were, he then joked: ‘If you looked into it more, you’d find we’re not married!’
Martin has also previously admitted that the spouses never actually received official marriage paperwork following their wedding, telling Good Morning Britain: ‘The ceremony was about as quick as, “Martin, do you love Shirlie?”, “Yes”, “Shirlie, do you love Martin?”, “Yes”, “You’re married.”
‘I don’t think we’ve ever got the actual paper to say that we’re married. But listen, who needs a piece of paper when you love each other?’
Elsewhere in the show, Martin has opened up about the couple’s struggles in starting a family – which led to some rather X-rated questioning.
Recalling how Shirlie was initially unable to get pregnant because she had endometriosis, he confessed in a scandalous moment: ‘Then on the night we got married – kaboom!’
‘Meant to be!’, declared Emmerdale actress Lisa.
It was actually George Michael who played Cupid to get the lovebirds together (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Netflix)
Martin went on to expose a rather sordid question that no one wants to hear from their mother-in-law, having been sitting in Shirlie’s parents’ living room one day when her mum asked: ‘Now, have you tried the wheelbarrow?’
More Trending
-
Play Video
Ant and Dec finally address 'problem' with I'm A Celebrity's Kelly Brook after feud
Channel: TV TV 10 hours ago By Lara Goane - I’m A Celebrity 2025 stars ‘forced to evacuate camp after safety fears’
- Who is the favourite to win I’m A Celebrity 2025? Latest odds revealed
- Who’s in the I’m A Celebrity 2025 cast? Full confirmed line-up after late arrivals
As the camp laughed, comedian Ruby demonstrated the racy position, much to everyone’s amusement.
What is Martin Kemp’s net worth?
While an exact figure is hard to determine, Martin’s net worth is estimated to be around £3million.
This is thanks to his music and TV careers, which have spanned over 40 years.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! continues each night at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Deals of the Day
Dyson’s Black Friday sale is here! Save up to £550 on vacuums, Airwraps and hairdryers
Breakdown drama? There’s an app for that – and it gets you help in minutes
Emma is celebrating 10 years of better sleep with free bedding bundles worth hundreds!
Pack 60% more with these cubes that sell every 2 mins – and travel smarter, not heavier
Sick of shaving? This at-home device will save you hundreds on hair removal
Arrow MORE: I’m A Celebrity proves Kelly Brook has always been TV’s easiest target
Arrow MORE: I’m A Celebrity punishment revealed after star makes major slip-up
Arrow MORE: I’m A Celebrity 2025 stars ‘forced to evacuate camp after safety fears’
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source TV NewsletterSign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.
Show Expand Options ? Select All Select All Big Brother Big Brother Britain's Got Talent Britain's Got Talent Celebrity Big Brother Celebrity Big Brother Doctor Who Doctor Who Great British Bake Off Great British Bake Off I'm A Celeb I'm A Celeb Love Island Love Island Netflix Netflix Strictly Come Dancing Strictly Come Dancing The Apprentice The Apprentice The Traitors The Traitors Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
