Martin Kemp is one of Britain’s most recognizable entertainers, having enjoyed a successful career that spans music, television, film, and radio. Best known as the bassist for the legendary 1980s band Spandau Ballet and for his memorable role in the BBC soap EastEnders, Martin has remained a familiar face in the entertainment industry for more than four decades. His achievements extend beyond music, as he has also worked as an actor, television presenter, director, and author.
For fans searching for Who is Martin Kemp, Martin Kemp Wikipedia, Martin Kemp wife, Martin Kemp songs, Martin Kemp net worth, or details about his family and career, this guide provides everything you need to know.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin John Kemp |
| Date of Birth | 10 October 1961 |
| Martin Kemp Age | 64 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Islington, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Musician, Actor, TV Presenter, Director |
| Height | Approximately 6 feet (1.83 m) |
| Parents | Frank Kemp and Eileen Kemp |
| Sibling | Gary Kemp |
| Wife | Shirlie Holliman |
| Children | Roman Kemp and Harley Moon Kemp |
| Famous For | Spandau Ballet, EastEnders, Television Presenting |
Who Is Martin Kemp?
Martin Kemp is an English musician and actor who first rose to international fame as the bassist of Spandau Ballet, one of the biggest British pop bands of the 1980s. While many fans recognize him for performing on chart-topping songs, others know him for portraying Steve Owen in EastEnders, a role that became one of the soap’s most memorable characters.
Throughout his career, Martin has successfully balanced music, acting, television presenting, and directing. His ability to adapt to different areas of entertainment has helped him remain relevant across multiple generations.
Martin Kemp Young: Early Life and Childhood
Martin Kemp was born on 10 October 1961 in Islington, London. He was raised by his parents, Frank Kemp and Eileen Kemp, alongside his younger brother Gary Kemp. The family encouraged creativity from an early age, and both brothers attended the famous Anna Scher Theatre School, where they developed their acting abilities.
Before becoming famous, Martin appeared in several television commercials and small acting roles as a child. Like many aspiring performers, he also worked regular jobs before finding success in music.
His early experiences helped shape the confidence and stage presence that would later define his career.
Parents Frank Kemp and Eileen Kemp
Martin often speaks fondly about his upbringing and the support he received from his parents, Frank Kemp and Eileen Kemp. They recognized the artistic interests of both Martin and Gary and encouraged them to pursue opportunities in acting and music.
Their guidance proved invaluable, as both brothers eventually became respected figures in British entertainment.
Siblings: Gary Kemp
Martin shares a close relationship with his brother Gary Kemp, who is the lead guitarist and primary songwriter of Spandau Ballet. Gary wrote many of the band’s greatest hits, while Martin provided the band’s bass lines and energetic stage presence.
The brothers also appeared together in the acclaimed crime film The Krays, where they portrayed the infamous Kray twins. Their performances received praise and further established Martin as a talented actor.
Even today, the Kemp brothers continue to collaborate on television projects, interviews, and live performances.
Martin Kemp Songs and Success with Spandau Ballet
Martin Kemp became famous as the bassist for Spandau Ballet, one of the defining bands of the New Romantic movement. During the 1980s, the band achieved worldwide success with numerous hit singles and platinum-selling albums.
Some of the most popular Martin Kemp songs with Spandau Ballet include:
- True
- Gold
- Through the Barricades
- Only When You Leave
- Chant No. 1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On)
- Lifeline
- Communication
- Round and Round
- Fight for Ourselves
These songs continue to receive regular radio play and remain popular with audiences around the world. Their timeless appeal has helped introduce Spandau Ballet’s music to younger generations.
Martin Kemp and Live Aid
One of the defining moments of Martin Kemp’s musical career came during the era of Live Aid and Band Aid. Alongside fellow British musicians, members of Spandau Ballet supported charity efforts to raise funds for famine relief in Africa.
Martin participated in the Band Aid project and contributed to one of the most iconic charity singles ever recorded. His involvement reflected the band’s commitment to using music for important humanitarian causes during one of the most memorable periods in British music history.
Acting Career Beyond Music
Although Martin initially became famous through music, his acting career has been equally impressive.
His portrayal of Steve Owen in EastEnders transformed him into one of British television’s most recognizable actors. The character quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his charisma and complex personality.
Martin also appeared in films and television productions including The Krays, Highlander, Waterloo Road, and several independent projects. His natural screen presence allowed him to build a successful second career outside music.
Martin Kemp Wife: Shirlie Holliman
Martin Kemp has been married to Shirlie Holliman since 1988. Shirlie first gained fame as a backing singer for Wham! before becoming one half of the successful pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie.
Their marriage is frequently described as one of the entertainment industry’s strongest relationships. More than three decades after their wedding, Martin and Shirlie continue to work together on television programmes, interviews, books, and public appearances.
Their enduring partnership has made them one of Britain’s most admired celebrity couples.
Martin Kemp Children: Roman Kemp and Harley Moon Kemp
Martin and Shirlie are proud parents of two children.
Roman Kemp
Roman Kemp has built an impressive career as a radio and television presenter. He became widely known as the host of Capital FM’s Breakfast Show and has appeared on numerous television programmes, documentaries, and reality shows.
Roman has openly discussed mental health awareness and has become one of the UK’s most respected broadcasters.
Harley Moon Kemp
Harley Moon Kemp has followed a creative path as a singer, songwriter, and actress. She has released original music and appeared in several acting projects while building her own identity within the entertainment industry.
Martin frequently expresses pride in both Roman and Harley for establishing successful careers through their own talents.
Martin Kemp Height
Many fans search for Martin Kemp height.
Martin stands at approximately 6 feet (1.83 metres) tall, giving him the commanding stage presence that has become part of his signature image throughout his music and television career.
Martin Kemp Net Worth
Martin Kemp has accumulated wealth through decades of success in music, acting, presenting, directing, book publishing, and live performances.
Although exact figures vary, many entertainment publications estimate Martin Kemp’s net worth to be around £3.5 million, reflecting his long-standing career in multiple areas of the entertainment industry.
His income continues to come from television appearances, concert tours, public speaking events, music royalties, and various media projects.
Martin Kemp Wikipedia Highlights
People searching for Martin Kemp Wikipedia are usually looking for a summary of his remarkable career.
Some of the most notable highlights include:
- Founding member of Spandau Ballet.
- International music success throughout the 1980s.
- Acclaimed acting career, particularly in EastEnders.
- Marriage to Shirlie Holliman since 1988.
- Father of Roman Kemp and Harley Moon Kemp.
- Successful recovery from two benign brain tumours during the 1990s.
- Continued success as a presenter, author, and television personality.
These achievements demonstrate why Martin remains one of Britain’s most respected entertainers.
Martin Kemp’s Legacy
Few entertainers have enjoyed success across as many different fields as Martin Kemp. From filling stadiums with Spandau Ballet to captivating television audiences as Steve Owen and later becoming a respected presenter, his career reflects versatility, resilience, and enduring popularity.
His personal life has also earned admiration, particularly his long marriage to Shirlie Holliman and his close relationship with children Roman Kemp and Harley Moon Kemp. Combined with the continued support of his brother Gary Kemp, Martin has become part of one of Britain’s best-known entertainment families.
As he continues to perform, present television programmes, and connect with fans, Martin Kemp remains an influential figure whose career continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
At Nexly News, we celebrate influential personalities whose careers have left a lasting impact on music, television, and popular culture. Martin Kemp’s remarkable journey from a young London musician to one of Britain’s most respected entertainers continues to inspire fans across generations.
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