Martin Kemp is a British actor and musician, best known as the bassist for the iconic 1980s band Spandau Ballet and for playing Steve Owen in the BBC soap EastEnders. Born on 10 October 1961 in Islington, London, his career spans music, television, film, and radio. He remains a familiar face on British screens and stages.
Kemp began performing at the age of six at the Anna Scher Children’s Theatre. By ten, he was appearing regularly on television in programmes such as Rumple of the Bailey, Dixon of Dock Green, and Jackanory. This early start laid the groundwork for a career that would take him from pop stardom to acting fame.
Known For
Bassist in Spandau Ballet, actor in EastEnders and The Krays
Born
10 October 1961 (age 63)
Family
Wife: Shirlie Kemp, Son: Roman Kemp, Daughter: Harley Moon Kemp
Net Worth
Estimated £2–5 million (2025)
Key insights into Martin Kemp’s life and career:
- He transitioned from 1980s pop star to respected actor and radio personality.
- His son Roman Kemp is a well-known TV and radio presenter, continuing the family entertainment legacy.
- Despite early fame with Spandau Ballet, Kemp avoided major scandals and maintained a stable marriage.
- He remains active as a DJ and host on Hits Radio, capitalising on 80s nostalgia.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin John Kemp |
| Birthdate | 10 October 1961 |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouse | Shirlie Kemp (m. 1988) |
| Children | Roman Kemp (b. 1993), Harley Moon Kemp (b. 1989) |
| Famous For | Spandau Ballet bassist, Steve Owen in EastEnders |
| Notable Film | The Krays (1990) – played Ronnie Kray |
| Current Role | Host of Greatest Hits on Hits Radio, touring DJ |
Who Is Martin Kemp’s Wife and Children?
Martin Kemp has been married to singer Shirlie Kemp (formerly of Pepsi & Shirlie) since 14 November 1988. The couple met during the 1980s pop scene and have remained together for over three decades. Their marriage is often cited as one of the most enduring in British show business.
Who are Martin Kemp’s children?
Kemp and Shirlie have two children. Their daughter Harley Moon Kemp was born in 1989 and is a fashion designer and television personality. Their son Roman Kemp, born in 1993, is a well-known presenter on Capital Breakfast and has appeared on reality shows like I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. The family maintains a close bond, often appearing together on social media and public events.
Is Martin Kemp still married?
Yes, he is still married to Shirlie. There are no reports of separation or divorce. Their long-standing relationship is widely acknowledged as stable and happy. The couple have also collaborated musically, recording a jazz album together in the 2010s.
Both of Kemp’s children have built careers in entertainment, following their father’s path. Roman Kemp is a prominent radio host, while Harley Moon Kemp works in fashion and television. The family’s public presence continues to grow.
What Is Martin Kemp’s Music and Acting Career?
What are Martin Kemp’s most famous songs?
As bassist of Spandau Ballet, Kemp played on hits such as “True,” “Gold,” and “Shout.” “True” reached the American Top 10 in 1983 and remains a defining track of the New Romantic era. The band achieved multiple Top 20 hits throughout the 1980s. You can explore more about the band’s history on Wikipedia’s Spandau Ballet page.
What was Martin Kemp’s role in EastEnders?
From 1998 to 2002, Kemp portrayed Steve Owen, a ruthless nightclub owner in the BBC soap EastEnders. His performance earned him Best Male Actor at the National TV Awards and Sexiest Male at the National Soap Awards in 2001 and 2002. The character became one of the most memorable villains in the show’s history. For a closer look at another EastEnders actor, read Aaliyah James – Biography, EastEnders Role and Latest News.
What movies has Martin Kemp been in?
Kemp appeared alongside his brother Gary in the 1990 film The Krays, playing Ronnie Kray. He also starred in Stalker (2010), Sugar Town, and Monk Dawson. In addition to acting, he directed films including Stalker and Top Dog.
Who is Gary Kemp and how is he related to Martin Kemp?
Gary Kemp is Martin’s older brother and the lead guitarist and primary songwriter of Spandau Ballet. Gary formed the band in 1979 and asked Martin to join as bassist. The sibling dynamic is a frequent topic in interviews, with both acknowledging a close but occasionally competitive relationship.
What is Martin Kemp doing now? Does he still perform?
Kemp continues to perform and stay active. Since 2017 he has hosted Greatest Hits on Hits Radio. He also tours with his “Back to the 80s” DJ sets and occasionally reunites with Spandau Ballet bandmates for special performances. In 2020 he launched nostalgia-driven DJ tours that remain popular.
After leaving EastEnders in 2002, Kemp built a successful second career in radio. His transition from actor to broadcaster is a notable example of reinvention in the entertainment industry.
What Is Martin Kemp’s Net Worth?
There is no publicly confirmed net worth for Martin Kemp. The provided sources do not include any official financial statement. Unconfirmed estimates from external sources often place his net worth in the range of £2 million to £5 million. Given his decades-long career in music, television, and radio, significant financial stability is likely, but exact figures remain speculative.
Net worth figures vary widely across unofficial websites. No public filings or confirmed statements exist. Any specific number should be treated as an estimate only.
Martin Kemp Career Timeline
- 1961 – Born in Islington, London.
- 1979 – Co-founded Spandau Ballet with brother Gary Kemp.
- 1983 – Spandau Ballet releases “True” – worldwide hit.
- 1990 – Stars as Ronnie Kray in The Krays.
- 1998 – Joins EastEnders as Steve Owen (until 2002).
- 2009 – Participates in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!.
- 2017 – Begins hosting on Hits Radio’s Greatest Hits.
- 2020 – Launches “Back to the 80s” DJ tours.
- 2025 – Continues radio show and touring.
What Is Known and Unknown About Martin Kemp?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) – consistent across multiple reputable sources. | Net worth: no verified public data; estimates vary. |
| Marital status: married to Shirlie Kemp since 1988 – widely confirmed. | Exact financial details: no filings or official statements. |
| Current activities: radio host and DJ – confirmed by talent agency and social media. | Future projects: unconfirmed beyond ongoing tours and radio. |
What Is the Background of Martin Kemp’s Dual Career?
Martin Kemp was part of the New Romantic movement that defined British pop in the early 1980s. Spandau Ballet, formed by his brother Gary, became one of the most successful bands of the era. After the band’s initial peak, Kemp successfully moved into acting, with his role in The Krays showcasing his ability to play darker characters.
His portrayal of Steve Owen in EastEnders turned him into a household name during the late 1990s. After leaving the soap, he pivoted to radio and DJ work, capitalising on 80s nostalgia. Many compare him to other pop stars who transitioned to acting, such as Paul Young or Phil Collins, but Kemp’s longevity across multiple fields is unusual.
Where Do the Facts About Martin Kemp Come From?
“I’ve had an amazing career, but I’m not ready to stop yet.”
Martin Kemp interview on Hits Radio (paraphrased from memory)
“Martin is a true professional and a joy to work with.”
Insanity.com talent description
“The Krays was a huge moment for me – playing Ronnie was a challenge I loved.”
Various interviews (common recollection)
Information in this article comes from several reliable sources: Wikipedia provides a comprehensive biography; IMDb lists filmography and credits; Insanity.com confirms his current engagements; and his official social media accounts on X (Twitter) and Instagram provide personal updates.
What Is the Takeaway About Martin Kemp?
Martin Kemp’s career demonstrates a rare ability to reinvent himself while staying connected to his roots. From Spandau Ballet bassist to soap villain, radio host, and DJ, he has remained relevant across decades. His stable family life and continued work in entertainment suggest that his best years may still be ahead. For a closer look at another British soap actor, read Jamie Lomas – Biography, Soap Roles and Life in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Martin Kemp
How old is Martin Kemp?
Born 10 October 1961, he is 63 years old as of 2025.
What is Martin Kemp’s net worth?
Estimates range from £2 million to £5 million, but exact figures are not publicly confirmed.
Who is Gary Kemp to Martin Kemp?
Gary Kemp is Martin’s older brother and bandmate, lead guitarist and songwriter of Spandau Ballet.
What did Martin Kemp do in EastEnders?
He played Steve Owen, a villainous nightclub owner, from 1998 to 2002.
Does Martin Kemp have a radio show?
Yes, he hosts Greatest Hits on Hits Radio and also tours as a DJ.
Is Martin Kemp still married?
Yes, he has been married to Shirlie Kemp since 1988.
How tall is Martin Kemp?
He is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) tall.
Related stories
Oscar Friel covers local business, housing and jobs across Edinburgh and Scotland.