Martin Kemp is an English musician, actor, and broadcaster who first found fame as the bassist for the iconic new wave band Spandau Ballet. He later became a household name in British television for his portrayal of the villainous Steve Owen on the BBC soap opera EastEnders. His career, spanning more than four decades, has made him a persistent figure in popular culture.
Born in Islington, London, Kemp has successfully navigated the music and acting industries. Alongside his brother Gary, he helped define the sound of the 1980s. His transition to acting demonstrated a versatility that kept him in the public eye long after the band’s initial peak.
Today, he remains active as a DJ and performer, while his family life—particularly his marriage to singer Shirlie Holliman and his son Roman Kemp, a well-known radio presenter—continues to attract media interest.
How old is Martin Kemp?
Martin John Kemp was born on 10 October 1961 in Islington, London, England. As of 2025, he is 64 years old. His height is listed as 6 ft (1.83 m), according to his IMDb profile.
Born 10 October 1961 (age 64)
Married to Shirlie Holliman since 1988
Two: Roman Kemp and Harley Moon Kemp
Estimated £8 million (2025)
- Martin Kemp is best known as the bassist for Spandau Ballet, one of the defining bands of the 1980s new wave scene.
- His acting career includes a prominent role as Steve Owen in EastEnders from 1998 to 2002.
- Kemp has maintained public interest through social media, DJ appearances, and occasional acting roles.
- His net worth is often tied to Spandau Ballet royalties, touring, and television work.
- He is the younger brother of Gary Kemp, who was Spandau Ballet’s guitarist and primary songwriter.
- His son Roman Kemp is a prominent British radio presenter.
- Kemp continues to perform with ‘Back to the 80s’ tours and is active on social media.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin John Kemp |
| Born | 10 October 1961, Islington, London, England |
| Occupation | Musician, actor, DJ |
| Band | Spandau Ballet (bassist) |
| Spouse | Shirlie Holliman (m. 1988) |
| Children | Roman Kemp (son), Harley Moon Kemp (daughter) |
| Brother | Gary Kemp (also Spandau Ballet member) |
| Height | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Notable TV Role | Steve Owen in EastEnders |
Who is Martin Kemp’s wife?
Martin Kemp married Shirlie Holliman on 14 November 1988. Shirlie is a former singer, best known as one half of the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie, who were backing vocalists for George Michael and Wham! in the 1980s. The couple have been together for over three decades and are considered one of the more enduring partnerships in British show business.
Does Martin Kemp have children?
Yes, he has two children. His daughter, Harley Moon Kemp, was born in 1989. His son, Roman Kemp, born in 1993, is a well-known television and radio presenter, currently hosting a popular breakfast show on Capital Radio. The family often appears together on social media, and Roman has spoken publicly about his close relationship with his father.
Who is Martin Kemp’s brother?
Martin’s older brother is Gary Kemp. Gary was the guitarist and primary songwriter for Spandau Ballet. The two brothers were both founding members of the band. Martin replaced the original bass player after being asked to join, and the pair played together throughout the band’s initial run and subsequent reunions. They also appeared together in the 1990 film The Krays.
The Kemp family has remained closely connected to the entertainment industry. Martin’s son Roman hosts a national radio show, and Shirlie occasionally performs and appears on reality television. Gary continues to write music and tour.
What is Martin Kemp’s net worth?
Martin Kemp’s exact net worth is not publicly audited. Most estimates from celebrity wealth sites place it in a range of £6 million to £10 million. A commonly cited figure for 2025 is approximately £8 million.
The bulk of his wealth is believed to come from his years with Spandau Ballet, including royalties from hits such as “True,” “Gold,” “Only When You Leave,” and “Through the Barricades.” His acting salary from EastEnders, along with subsequent television appearances, DJ bookings, and touring with nostalgia shows like “Back to the 80s,” also contribute. Because his earnings are private, any figure should be considered an informed estimate rather than a confirmed sum.
What songs did Martin Kemp write?
As the bassist for Spandau Ballet, Martin Kemp performed on all of the band’s major hits. However, the primary songwriter for the band was his brother Gary Kemp. The most famous Spandau Ballet songs include “True,” “Gold,” “Only When You Leave,” and “Through the Barricades.” Martin’s role was instrumental as a performer rather than as a principal writer. There are no widely known solo songs or co-writing credits attributed to him outside of the band’s collaborative work.
What are the most popular Spandau Ballet songs?
The band’s signature song, “True,” reached number one in the UK and remains a defining ballad of the era. Other major singles include “Gold,” “Only When You Leave,” and “Through the Barricades.” These tracks continue to receive radio play and are staples of 1980s-themed events.
Though Martin Kemp did not write the band’s biggest songs, his bass playing was integral to the Spandau Ballet sound. The band’s blend of new wave, pop, and soul influenced a generation of British music fans.
What role did Martin Kemp play in EastEnders?
Martin Kemp played Steve Owen, a charismatic and scheming nightclub owner, on the BBC soap opera EastEnders. He joined the cast in 1998 and his character quickly became a central figure in the show. Steve Owen was involved in numerous storylines, including criminal activities, family drama, and high-profile romances. Kemp’s performance was critically praised and made the character a fan favourite.
He left the show in 2002 when his character was killed off, though his IMDb profile lists him as an actor in the series until 2011, likely due to archive footage or guest appearances. The role remains one of his most recognised pieces of work, introducing him to a new audience beyond music fans. He also appeared in the film The Krays and later directed the short film Karma Magnet.
Martin Kemp career timeline
- 1961: Born in Islington, London.
- 1979: Co-founded Spandau Ballet with his brother Gary.
- 1983: Spandau Ballet’s “True” becomes a massive hit, reaching number one in the UK.
- 1988: Marries Shirlie Holliman.
- 1990: Spandau Ballet disbands (the band later reunites in 2009 and again from 2014–2019).
- 1998: Joins EastEnders as Steve Owen.
- 2002: Leaves EastEnders after his character is killed off.
- 2000s–2020s: Continues acting, performs as a DJ, and appears on reality television.
- 2025: Still active, touring with the ‘Back to the 80s’ show.
What is known for certain about Martin Kemp?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth date and place are documented in official records. | Exact net worth is not publicly audited; most estimates come from celebrity net worth sites. |
| Wife and children are publicly known (Shirlie, Roman, Harley). | Future career moves (e.g., new music, TV projects) are speculative. |
| Height is consistently listed as 6 ft (1.83 m). | Specific songwriting credits beyond performance are not clearly documented. |
Why does Martin Kemp remain a public figure?
Martin Kemp represents a dual-career success story—first as part of an iconic 80s band and later as a soap opera star. His longevity in the public eye is aided by family connections (brother Gary, son Roman as a radio presenter) and active social media presence. The ongoing interest in his net worth reflects broader curiosity about celebrity finances, while his EastEnders role remains a memorable moment in British television history. His career also taps into the modern popularity of celebrity DJ culture and 1980s nostalgia.
Where can I find credible information about Martin Kemp?
Several established sources provide reliable biographical information. The most comprehensive is the Wikipedia entry for Martin Kemp, which includes a detailed biography with citations. For filmography and career credits, IMDb is a primary source. A more recent fact article can be found at Smooth Radio. For information on the band, the official Spandau Ballet website contains official updates and history. The BBC’s EastEnders page provides background on his television role.
Martin Kemp on his EastEnders role: “It was a fantastic experience and opened up a whole new audience.”
— Paraphrased from interview
Shirlie Holliman on marriage: “We’ve been through everything together.”
— From various interviews
What is next for Martin Kemp?
As of 2025, Martin Kemp continues to perform with ‘Back to the 80s’ tours, maintains an active DJ career, and appears on social media. No major acting roles have been announced, but he remains a nostalgic figure for fans of 80s music and EastEnders. New projects may include podcast appearances, further touring, or potential television cameos, though these remain speculative.
Frequently asked questions about Martin Kemp
What is Martin Kemp’s full name?
Martin John Kemp.
Where was Martin Kemp born?
Islington, London, England.
Is Martin Kemp still married?
Yes, to Shirlie Holliman since 1988.
Does Martin Kemp have any siblings?
Yes, his brother Gary Kemp is also a musician in Spandau Ballet.
What is Martin Kemp’s most famous song?
As part of Spandau Ballet, he contributed to hits like “True,” “Gold,” and “Through the Barricades.”
How long was Martin Kemp in EastEnders?
He played Steve Owen from 1998 to 2002.
What is Martin Kemp’s height in feet?
6 ft (1.83 m).
Is Martin Kemp active on social media?
Yes, he has accounts on X (@realmartinkemp) and Instagram (@martinjkemp).
Related stories
Sarah Mills is Managing Editor at Current UK, running the daily news list, headline review and commissioning.