Key Highlights
- Martin Kemp, former member of 1980s pop band Spandau Ballet, is part of this year’s I’m A Celebrity cast.
- The show returns for its 25th series with hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly in charge.
- Kemp has had a varied career including acting roles on EastEnders and hosting shows with his son Roman.
- Martin and his wife Shirlie Kemp have been part of the music industry, with Martin starring in EastEnders and Shirlie being a backing singer for George Michael’s band Wham!
I’m A Celebrity Returns: Martin Kemp Joins Star-Studded Cast
ITV’s long-running reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is back for its 25th series with a host of famous faces, including former Spandau Ballet member and actor Martin Kemp. The show, which returns to our screens tonight (November 16), sees celebrities face tough challenges in the Australian jungle.
This year’s cast includes ten stars who will be tested both physically and mentally as they navigate life away from their usual comforts. Hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly are once again at the helm, promising an exciting three weeks of entertainment for viewers.
Spandau Ballet’s Bass-Player
Martin Kemp’s career in music began when he joined his brother Gary Kemp’s band The Gentry. After a brief stint as the bass player, Martin and the rest of the band changed their name to Spandau Ballet. The group rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like “True,” “Gold,” and “Through the Barricades.” Four of their albums reached the top ten on the UK Albums Chart before they split up due to a dispute over royalties.
A Vast Career Beyond Music
After his time in Spandau Ballet, Martin Kemp moved to Los Angeles with his wife Shirlie, where he acted and appeared in films. They returned to the UK in 1995 after Martin had a short break from acting while recovering from brain surgery.
Martin Kemp played the villain Steve Owen on BBC’s EastEnders, becoming one of the show’s best-known faces, and won several awards including Most Actor at the National Television Awards in 2000. He also starred in TV dramas and became the face of furniture chain ScS.
A Family Affair: Roman Kemp’s Participation
Martin is not alone on this year’s cast as his son, Roman Kemp, participated in I’m A Celebrity back in 2019. Both father and son have a close bond and co-hosted shows such as “Martin & Roman’s Sunday Best!” and its spin-off “Martin & Roman’s Weekend Best.”
Martin Kemp previously revealed his strategy for the show via social media, stating: “I’m more scared of Roman’s face if I don’t make it as far as he did.” His son responded with a lighthearted joke, saying: “Absolute nepo-daddy. Only on there cos his sons on The One Show.”
From Stage to Screen
Martin Kemp’s journey from music to acting and back has made him a well-known figure in both the entertainment industry and among fans of reality TV shows. His participation in I’m A Celebrity is a testament to his enduring appeal and versatility as an entertainer.
