Inside I’m A Celebrity star Martin Kemp’s personal life includes a ‘fake’ marriage to Shirlie Holliman

He’s best known as 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 64-year-old entertainer 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 a father figure in the camp, telling funny stories from his career – like the time he auditioned for James Bond – and giving it his all in challenges.

And he hopes to emulate his son Roman Kemp’s success, or perhaps even better his position, after the radio DJ finished third in the 19th series of the show in 2019.

Speaking before his stint in the jungle, Martin admitted he had sought tips from his famous offspring, who told him ‘don’t take it seriously’ and ‘just enjoy’ the experience.

So, let’s dive into Martin’s life outside the camp, including his marriage to pop star Shirlie Holliman, 63.

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 currently compete 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 children, having learned that ‘the more you listen, the better your children are’.

“I want the four of us to be like a gang,” he explained. ‘I think it’s more to do with the fact that Shirlie and I grew up from the age of, like, 17/18 as well-known people in bands. So I think what happens is, when you’re famous, you want to break down those walls.

‘You build a moat around yourself so that you and your family are safe.

‘In the end, it worked in our favor because what we achieved was that the four of us became friends.’

Is Martin Kemp married to Shirlie Holliman?

Martin and Shirlie have been going strong for decades, having married singers Pepsi & Shirlie in 1988.

In fact, a very famous musician had a role in their meeting, such as George Michael who played Cupid.

Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2019, Martin shared: ‘I’ve 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 had ever seen.

‘Two weeks later, we attended a VIP screening of the film, and there it was. I gave him my number, but he 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 a huge pop star, and I was afraid he would become a proper pop star. He is very handsome.’

The late Michael finally took the number from her while he was at her house, asking when she would call.

‘He called the number and gave me his phone.

‘Martin’s mother answered, and I said, ‘Is Martin there?’ He asked who it was, and I was so embarrassed; he probably has girls calling him all the time.

‘Then he came and said, ‘I’m so glad you called’.’

Since making his I’m A Celeb debut, Martin has had nothing but lovely things to say about his partner as he watches at home, after sweetly declaring his love for her in the Bush Telegraph.

Martin told the camera: ‘Shirlie is everything to me; everything I do in my life, I do it for him.’

‘I got married in St Lucia on a cliff top overlooking the Caribbean with just three people,’ he added.

Noting how basic their marriage was, he then joked: ‘If you look into it further, you’ll find that we’re not married!’

Martin also previously admitted that the couple never actually received official marriage documents following their nuptials, telling Good Morning Britain: ‘The ceremony went as fast as, “Martin, do you love Shirlie?”, “Yes”, “Shirlie, do you love Martin?”, “Yes”, “You’re married.”

‘I don’t think we ever got a paper saying we were married. But listen, who needs a piece of paper when you love each other?’

Elsewhere in the show, Martin opened up about the couple’s struggles in starting a family – which raised some rather X-rated questions.

Recalling how Shirlie initially couldn’t get pregnant because she had endometriosis, she confessed in an embarrassing moment: ‘Then the night we got married – kaboom!’

‘Meant to be!’, says Emmerdale actress Lisa.

Martin went on to ask a rather dirty question that no one wanted to hear from his mother-in-law, because one day she was sitting in Shirlie’s parents’ living room when her mother asked: ‘Now, have you tried the wheelbarrow?’

As the camp laughed, comedian Ruby demonstrated the indecent position, much to everyone’s amusement.

What is Martin Kemp’s net worth?

Although exact figures are difficult to determine, Martin’s net worth is estimated to be around £3 million.

This is thanks to his music and TV career, which has spanned over 40 years.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! continues every evening at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

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