Martin Kemp – Biography, Net Worth, Family and Career Milestones
Martin Kemp is an English musician, actor, and broadcaster who rose to fame as the bassist of Spandau Ballet before becoming a household name in the UK through his role as Steve Owen in EastEnders. Born on 10 October 1961 in Islington, London, he has built a career spanning four decades, from new wave pop to prime-time television and beyond.
His story is one of reinvention. After the 1980s success of Spandau Ballet, Kemp moved into acting, most notably in the film The Krays and the long-running BBC soap opera. In recent years he has returned to live performance as a DJ and radio host, proving his staying power in British entertainment.
Who Is Martin Kemp? Biography of the Spandau Ballet Star
Key Insights
- Martin Kemp rose to fame as the bassist of Spandau Ballet in the 1980s, later transitioning into a successful acting career.
- He is married to former pop star Shirlie Holliman (of Pepsi & Shirlie) and they have two children, both of whom are also in the entertainment industry.
- His older brother Gary Kemp is the lead guitarist and primary songwriter of Spandau Ballet.
- In 2025, Martin Kemp continues to tour with his ‘Back to the 80s’ DJ sets and hosts a show on Hits Radio.
- He learned bass guitar in three months before joining his brother’s band the Gentry, which led to Spandau Ballet.
- He played Steve Owen on EastEnders from 1998 to 2002, one of the soap’s most memorable characters.
Snapshot Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 10 October 1961 |
| Birthplace | Islington, London, England |
| Profession | Musician, actor, DJ, radio host |
| Spouse | Shirlie Kemp (m. 1988) |
| Children | Harley Moon Kemp (born 1991), Roman Kemp (born 1993) |
| Sibling | Gary Kemp (brother) |
| Notable Bands | Spandau Ballet (bassist) |
| Notable Acting | Steve Owen in EastEnders (1990s), Ronald Kray in The Krays (1990) |
| Net Worth (est.) | $15 million (multiple sources, unconfirmed) |
Martin Kemp’s Net Worth: How Much Is He Worth?
No reliable net worth figure for Martin Kemp has been officially disclosed. Several celebrity wealth aggregators estimate his fortune at around $15 million, but this figure is not confirmed by Kemp or his representatives. The estimate is based on his decades in music, acting, and broadcasting, but exact financial details remain private.
The $15 million net worth appears on sites like Celebrity Net Worth but is not backed by official statements. Treat it as an approximation.
Kemp’s income sources include Spandau Ballet royalties, acting salaries, DJ bookings, and radio presenting. Without audited accounts, any net worth claim should be viewed with caution.
Martin Kemp’s Family: Wife, Children, and Brother Gary Kemp
Who is Martin Kemp’s wife?
Martin Kemp has been married to Shirlie Holliman since 1988. Shirlie was a backing singer for Wham! and later part of the duo Pepsi & Shirlie. The couple met through the music scene and have remained together for over three decades, as Smooth Radio notes.
Does Martin Kemp have children?
Yes, the Kemps have two children: daughter Harley Moon Kemp (born 1991) and son Roman Kemp (born 1993). Roman is well known as a presenter on Capital FM and has appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. To learn about his son’s rise in radio, see Roman Kemp – Son’s Profile.
Who is Gary Kemp and how is he related to Martin?
Gary Kemp is Martin’s older brother. He is also a member of Spandau Ballet as lead guitarist and primary songwriter. The brothers worked together in music and film, most notably co-starring in The Krays (1990) where they played the Kray twins.
Martin Kemp’s son Roman Kemp has followed his parents into the entertainment industry, now hosting a national radio show. The Kemp family remains a fixture in British pop culture.
Martin Kemp’s Career: From Spandau Ballet to EastEnders and Beyond
What songs did Martin Kemp write or perform?
As the bassist of Spandau Ballet, Martin Kemp performed on all of the band’s major hits. The best-known songs from his era include “Gold” and “True”. He did not write the band’s material – that was primarily his brother Gary Kemp – but his bass playing was integral to the sound (Official Spandau Ballet Website).
What was Martin Kemp’s role in EastEnders?
Kemp played Steve Owen, a charismatic and often villainous character, on BBC’s EastEnders from 1998 to 2002. The role made him a household name in the UK and won him a loyal fan base.
What other acting roles is Martin Kemp known for?
His most notable film role is Ronald Kray in The Krays (1990), opposite his brother Gary. He has also appeared in Stalker, Marple, Waterloo Road, Age of Kill, and Birds of a Feather.
Is Martin Kemp still active in music?
Yes, he performs DJ sets under the name ‘Back to the 80s’ and occasionally appears with Spandau Ballet for special events. As of 2025, he also hosts a regular show on Hits Radio. No new Spandau Ballet recordings have been released since 2014.
Martin Kemp’s 2025 schedule includes a UK DJ tour and ongoing radio work. No new music or acting projects have been officially announced, but fans can expect continued live performances.
What Are the Key Milestones in Martin Kemp’s Life?
- 1961: Born in Islington, London. Wikipedia
- 1979: Co-founded Spandau Ballet with brother Gary and other school friends.
- 1981: Spandau Ballet releases debut album Journeys to Glory – breakthrough success.
- 1988: Marries Shirlie Holliman. IMDb
- 1990: Plays Ronnie Kray in The Krays.
- 1991: Birth of daughter Harley Moon Kemp.
- 1993: Birth of son Roman Kemp.
- 1998–2002: Portrays Steve Owen on BBC’s EastEnders.
- 2009–2019: Spandau Ballet reunion tours and new album.
- 2020–2025: Launches ‘Back to the 80s’ DJ tour; hosts radio show on Hits Radio.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Martin Kemp?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth date and family details are confirmed by official sources (Wikipedia, interviews). | Net worth figures are estimates from celebrity net worth aggregators and not officially confirmed by Martin Kemp or his representatives. |
| He played bass for Spandau Ballet and acted in EastEnders and The Krays. | The question ‘Martin Kemp design’ may refer to his graphic design studies (he attended University of Westminster for graphic design), but he is not professionally known as a designer – this differs from a separate public figure named Martin Kemp (interior designer). |
| He is married to Shirlie Holliman and has two children. | Exact current tour dates and radio show schedules are not publicly listed in a verified format. |
How Does Martin Kemp Fit Into British Entertainment?
Martin Kemp represents a successful crossover from music to acting. His role in EastEnders made him a household name in the UK, while his ongoing DJ and radio work shows adaptation to modern media. The Kemp family (including son Roman Kemp, a Capital FM host) continues to be prominent in British entertainment. His net worth remains a topic of public curiosity, though no official figures are published.
What Are the Most Reliable Sources for Information on Martin Kemp?
“I’ve always enjoyed being on stage, whether it’s with a band or a DJ deck.” – Martin Kemp, Hits Radio interview (2024)
Hits Radio
Reliable information on Martin Kemp is available from Wikipedia, IMDb, Smooth Radio, and the Official Spandau Ballet Website. For net worth estimates, Celebrity Net Worth offers an unconfirmed figure.
What Is the Bottom Line on Martin Kemp?
Martin Kemp is a versatile entertainer who transitioned from 1980s pop stardom to a respected acting career and now a thriving radio and DJ presence. His family ties, particularly with brother Gary and son Roman, keep him in the public eye. While his exact net worth remains private, his legacy as a Spandau Ballet bassist and EastEnders villain is firmly established.
For more on the band that launched his career, read Spandau Ballet – Band History.
Frequently Asked Questions About Martin Kemp
What is Martin Kemp’s involvement in design?
Martin Kemp studied graphic design at the University of Westminster before his music career took off. However, he is not a professional interior designer – that is a different person with the same name.
Is Martin Kemp still making music?
Yes, he performs DJ sets under ‘Back to the 80s’ and occasionally appears with Spandau Ballet for special events, though no new band recordings have been released since 2014.
How tall is Martin Kemp?
He is approximately 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m).
Did Martin Kemp study design?
Yes, he studied graphic design at the University of Westminster, but he is not known professionally as a designer.
What is Martin Kemp’s net worth in 2025?
No official figure exists. Estimates around $15 million are unconfirmed and should be treated as approximations.
How old is Martin Kemp?
He was born on 10 October 1961, making him 64 years old as of 2025.
Who is Martin Kemp’s wife?
Shirlie Holliman, a former backing singer for Wham! and member of Pepsi & Shirlie. They married in 1988.
Does Martin Kemp have children?
Yes, two children: daughter Harley Moon Kemp (born 1991) and son Roman Kemp (born 1993).
What role did Martin Kemp play in EastEnders?
He played Steve Owen from 1998 to 2002.
Is Martin Kemp related to Gary Kemp?
Yes, Gary Kemp is his older brother. Both were members of Spandau Ballet.
More related posts
Ray Brooks – Obituary, Cause of Death and Iconic Roles
What Is an Invoice – Definition, Examples, vs Receipt
Liver King – Biography, Net Worth, and 2025 Controversy
Amber Davies – Age, Height, Career and Strictly Come Dancing
Lady Sarah Chatto – Biography, Family, Paintings and Net Worth
Yogi Bear – History, TV Shows, Movies and Where to Watch
Mount Everest Peak – Height, Location, Deaths and Complete 2025 Guide
Charlie Chaplin – Biography, Cause of Death, and Legacy
