Do you wonder how the pop star from a famous band turned to the television icon that people adore today? Martin Kemp has been in the limelight for decades, and people still enjoy seeing him today.
Winning the hearts of many with his charm and skill, he has dabbled in music, films and even reality television. Be it from Spandau Ballet or from TV serials, his biography is intriguing in every way. In this article, we will look at the career of Martin Kemp and how he was able to make a name for himself in both the music and television industry without ever slowing down.
Birth, Parents, and Education
The singer was born in Islington, North London, on 10th October 1961. Frank and Eileen Kemp, along with their eldest son Gary, raised Martin in a family-oriented household. From his childhood, Martin had the urge to perform.
He studied at Rotherfield Junior School and subsequently attended Central Foundation Boys’ School in Islington. At the age of seven, he and his brother Gary became members of the Anna Scher Theatre drama club, where they featured in television programmes such as Jackanory and The Tomorrow People, as well as, and most notably, Dixon of Dock Green.
After finishing school at 16, Martin started an apprenticeship at a print factory but soon left to pursue his passion for music and acting.
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Career
Martin Kemp’s career began in the late 1970s when he joined his brother Gary’s band as the bass player. The group, initially named The Gentry, later became Spandau Ballet in 1979.
Martin learned to play the bass guitar in just three months to join the band. Spandau Ballet gained popularity in the 1980s with hits like “True” and “Gold,” becoming a leading band of the New Romantic movement.
After the band split in 1990, Martin transitioned into acting. He starred alongside his brother in the 1990 film “The Krays,” portraying the infamous gangster twins. This role marked the beginning of his acting career.
In the early 1990s, Martin moved to Los Angeles and appeared in several TV shows and films. He returned to the UK in 1995 and, after recovering from health issues, resumed acting. In 1998, he joined the cast of the BBC soap opera “EastEnders” as Steve Owen, a role he played until 2002.
Martin continued his acting career with various roles in television and film. He also participated in reality TV, including “Celebrity Big Brother” in 2012, where he finished in third place.
In recent years, Martin has worked as a presenter and appeared in stage productions. He also released an album with his wife, Shirlie, in 2019.
Social Media Presence
Martin Kemp is active on several social media platforms, where he shares updates about his work and personal life. On Instagram, he has over 569,000 followers and posts about his DJ events, clothing line, and family moments.
View this post on Instagram
On Twitter (now known as X), Martin has around 287,000 followers. He uses this platform to share thoughts, promote events, and interact with fans.
Tonight… let’s get it on Bournemouth pic.twitter.com/e3V11DSnHP
— Martin Kemp (@realmartinkemp) May 17, 2025
Martin also has an official Facebook page with over 81,000 followers, where he posts about upcoming shows and other professional updates.
Additionally, Martin appears on TikTok, where clips from his interviews and other content are shared. His presence on these platforms allows fans to stay connected with his latest activities.
Personal Life
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. The couple have one daughter, Harley Moon, and a son, Roman (born January 1993).
Shirlie Holliman was born April 18, 1962, and is a British pop star. She joined Wham! after her then-boyfriend Andrew Ridgeley suggested she come and dance.
In October 2020, Holliman with her husband published Shirlie and Martin Kemp: It’s a Love Story, an autobiography-cum-relationship advice book. The Kemps said the book was published in response to “growing media interest” in the couple’s long-lasting relationship.
In January 2023, Kemp appeared alongside his wife Shirlie Kemp on the fourth series of The Masked Singer as “Cat & Mouse”.
Martin Kemp Wife Cancer Battle
One of the hardest times for them was when Shirlie was diagnosed with breast cancer. This happened in 1995, not long after Martin had gone through his own health battle with brain tumours. Shirlie had to go through treatment, but she stayed strong with Martin by her side.
The couple often talks about how they leaned on each other and stayed close during that time. Martin has said in interviews that Shirlie’s strength during her illness made him love and respect her even more.
Martin Kemp’s Net Worth
Martin Kemp, known for his roles in Spandau Ballet and EastEnders, has an estimated net worth of around £3.1 million. This figure is based on reports from December 2023, which valued his wealth at approximately $4 million USD. His earnings come from various sources: his music career with Spandau Ballet, acting roles in television and film, and appearances on reality TV shows.
Over the years, Martin has also taken on roles as a presenter and author, further contributing to his income. Despite facing health challenges, including brain tumours in the 1990s, Martin has continued to work in the entertainment industry. His resilience and versatility have helped him maintain a steady career and financial stability.
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Conclusion
Martin Kemp has done a lot in his life—music, acting, and more. He faced tough times but stayed strong with his family. People still love him today for who he is, both on and off screen. His story shows that talent, love, and hard work can go a long way.