Martin Kemp facts: Spandau Ballet star's age, wife, children, brother and more revealed
11 November 2025, 09:52
Martin Kemp is truly one of a kind. Musician, actor, presenter, stage star, he's done it all.
The Spandau Ballet and EastEnders icon has been ever-present on UK screens and stages since the 1980s, and is now starring on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here 2025.
How many kids does Martin Kemp have, is he married and does he still perform in Spandau Ballet? It's time to get up to date with all the big facts about the talented star:
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How old is Martin Kemp and where is he from?
Martin Kemp was born on October 10, 1961. He celebrated his 64th birthday in 2025.
He was born to parents Frank and Eileen Kemp, at their house in Islington, north London.
His older brother is Gary Kemp, who played in Spandau Ballet alongside him. The brothers also played the infamous Ronnie and Reggie Kray in The Krays.
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Who is Martin Kemp's wife Shirlie and when did they meet?
Martin Kemp and Shirlie Kemp. Picture: Getty Martin Kemp has been married to Shirlie Holliman since 1988.
Shirlie is best known for being a former backing singer of the group Wham!, and one half of the 1980s pop duo, Pepsi & Shirlie.
- Martin Kemp reveals how George Michael was a third wheel on his first date with Shirlie
- Wham!’s secret to success – as told by Pepsi, Shirlie and Andrew Ridgeley
She retired from regular performing after the birth of her and Martin's daughter, Harley Moon. She met Martin through mutual friend George Michael, and the pair married in St Lucia.
The pair released their first-ever duet album, In the Swing of It, in 2019.
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How many children does Martin Kemp have?
Martin and Roman Kemp. Picture: Getty Martin and Shirlie have a daughter, Harley Moon (born 1989) and a son, Roman (born 1993).
Roman Kemp is a TV and radio presenter who has also presented for Capital, The X Factor and The Hot Desk. His godfather was George Michael. He appeared as a contestant in I'm A Celebrity in 2019.
Harley Moon Kemp is a photographer, filmmaker and songwriter.
Roman Kemp opens up about godfather George Michael during chat with Smooth's Kate Garraway
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Who did Martin Kemp play in EastEnders?
Steve arrested for shooting Phil Mitchell - EastEnders - BBC
Martin's showbiz career started in acting, and as a child he appeared in many TV shows including Jackanory, The Tomorrow People and Dixon of Dock Green.
He and his brother Gary returned to acting in 1990, and they both appeared in The Krays, in which they played the notorious gangster twins Ronald and Reginald Kray.
But Martin's biggest role was playing villain Steve Owen in EastEnders, starting in December 1998. His character was involved in some of the soap's biggest storylines, such as the Saskia Duncan murder and 'Who Shot Phil?'. He left after Steve was killed off in 2002.
He has acted sporadically since then, appearing in films and TV shows including Marple, Waterloo Road, McDonald & Dobbs and Murder, They Hope.
He and Gary have also starred in a couple of mockumentary films, The Kemps: All True and The Kemps: All Gold, made with comedian Rhys Thomas.
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Is he still in Spandau Ballet?
Martin Kemp responds to Tony Hadley about Spandau Ballet reunion chances
Sort of...
The legendary 1980s group previously performed with a new frontman, Ross William Wild, who replaced Tony Hadley.
However, Wild later left the group, with Martin telling Smooth Radio that he'd love for the band to reunite with Tony.
Martin learned to play bass guitar in three months, and started his music career when he joined his brother Gary Kemp's band the Gentry. The band was renamed Spandau Ballet, and Martin left his printing job to concentrate on the band full-time.
They were one of the biggest bands of the New Romantic Era, thanks to hits including 'Gold', 'True' and 'Through the Barricades'.
Due to a dispute over royalties, the band split up in the early 1990s. After a 20-year hiatus, they reunited in 2009 with a world tour and new album.
But Martin has since suggested he wouldn't want to do another reunion tour with the band.
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Is Martin Kemp a contestant on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here?
Yes, Martin Kemp is one of the eight brave celebrities taking on I'm A Celeb 2025.
Martin is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his son Roman, who finished third when he took part in the reality show in 2019.
Roman had good advice for his dad when he heard he'd signed up for series 25.
"He told me to go in and enjoy it all," Martin shared. "He said it’s the most fun he has ever had and he said: 'I am really jealous; I know how much fun you are going to have.'"
The other celebrities joining Martin are: Heart's Kelly Brook, Emmerdale's Lisa Riley, comedian Ruby Wax, EastEnders' Shona McGarty, footballer Alex Scott, rapper Aitch, Ozzy Osbourne's son Jack Osbourne, comedian Eddie Kadi and social media personality Angryginge.
