Martin Kemp has remained a familiar name in British entertainment for more than four decades. Best known as the bassist of Spandau Ballet and for playing Steve Owen in EastEnders, he has built a career across music, acting and television. For anyone searching Martin Kemp age, he was born on 10 October 1961, making him 64 years old as of September 2026.
Martin Kemp | Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin John Kemp |
| Date of Birth | 10 October 1961 |
| Age | 64 years old |
| Birthplace | Islington, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | Around 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Profession | Musician, Actor, Presenter, DJ |
| Famous For | Spandau Ballet and EastEnders |
| Wife | Shirlie Kemp |
| Children | Harley Moon Kemp and Roman Kemp |
| Brother | Gary Kemp |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $4 million |
Martin Kemp Age
Martin Kemp age is 64 years old as of September 2026. He was born on 10 October 1961 in Islington, north London, and will celebrate his 65th birthday in October 2026.
His long career means different generations recognise him for different reasons. Some know him from Spandau Ballet, while others remember him from EastEnders, reality television or appearances alongside his son Roman.
Early Life
Martin John Kemp grew up in Islington with his older brother, Gary Kemp, and their parents, Frank and Eileen Kemp. He showed an interest in performance from an early age and attended drama classes as a child.
Before becoming a musician, Martin appeared in television programmes as a young actor. Those early experiences gave him confidence in front of cameras and later helped when he returned to acting as an adult.
Height and Appearance
Martin Kemp is generally listed as being around 6 feet tall, or approximately 1.83 metres. He has a slim build and is known today for his silver-grey hair and blue eyes.
During the 1980s, his fashionable appearance and sharp New Romantic style made him one of Spandau Ballet’s most recognisable members. Even decades later, Kemp has maintained a polished public image.
Spandau Ballet Career
Martin Kemp joined the band that eventually became Spandau Ballet after learning to play bass guitar. His brother Gary was already part of the group and became its main songwriter.
Spandau Ballet became one of Britain’s biggest bands of the 1980s. Their best-known songs include “True,” “Gold,” “Only When You Leave” and “Through the Barricades.”
The band separated during the 1990s following disagreements but reunited in 2009 for touring and new projects. Martin’s years with Spandau Ballet remain one of the most important parts of his career.
Acting Career
Acting was never completely left behind. In 1990, Martin starred alongside Gary Kemp in the crime film The Krays. Martin played Reggie Kray, while Gary portrayed Ronnie Kray.
His biggest television role came in 1998 when he joined EastEnders as Steve Owen. The character became involved in several major storylines before being killed off in 2002.
Martin later appeared in other television programmes and films, while also taking on presenting, directing and entertainment work.
Martin Kemp Wife
Martin Kemp has been married to Shirlie Kemp, formerly Shirlie Holliman, since 1988. Shirlie became famous through her association with Wham! and later as one half of the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie.
Their relationship also has a connection to George Michael, who helped bring the couple together. Martin and Shirlie married in St Lucia and have remained together for more than three decades.
They also worked together professionally, releasing the album In the Swing of It in 2019.
Martin Kemp Children
Martin and Shirlie have two children, Harley Moon Kemp and Roman Kemp.
Harley Moon Kemp, born in 1989, has worked as a singer-songwriter, photographer and filmmaker. Their son Roman Kemp, born in 1993, has built a successful career in British radio and television.
Roman became particularly well known through Capital radio and later appeared on programmes including I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Martin and Roman have also worked together on television and podcasts, giving fans a closer look at their relaxed father-and-son relationship.
Martin Kemp Brother
Martin’s older brother is Gary Kemp, guitarist and songwriter for Spandau Ballet. The brothers have worked together throughout much of their lives.
Besides performing together in the band, they appeared as the Kray twins in The Krays and later reunited for comedy projects such as The Kemps: All True.
Although their careers have frequently overlapped, Martin has built his own identity through acting, television and live entertainment.
Health Struggles
Martin Kemp faced one of the most difficult periods of his life in 1995, when doctors discovered two brain tumours.
He underwent surgery and radiotherapy before beginning a long recovery. Martin later explained that his illness affected his concentration and confidence, making his return to television particularly important.
His role in EastEnders became part of that recovery, helping him rebuild his confidence and establish a successful acting career after his health problems.
Martin Kemp Net Worth
Martin Kemp has earned money through music, acting, television appearances, presenting, touring and live DJ performances.
There is no officially confirmed figure for his personal wealth. Some celebrity finance websites estimate Martin Kemp’s net worth at around $4 million, although such figures should be viewed as estimates rather than verified financial information.
His long career across several areas of entertainment has allowed him to remain professionally active well beyond Spandau Ballet’s original peak.
Social Media
Martin maintains a public presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where he shares family moments, television appearances, throwback photographs and information about upcoming performances.
His social media also reflects how closely his family and career are connected. Posts frequently involve Shirlie, Roman, Harley or memories from his years with Spandau Ballet.
Life in 2026
At 64 years old, Martin Kemp continues to perform and appear on television. His live Back to the 80s DJ events have remained popular with audiences who grew up listening to music from that decade.
He has also continued working with Roman on entertainment projects. Rather than stepping away from public life, Martin has found ways to combine his music history with newer television and family-based projects.
Fun Facts
Martin began acting before becoming famous as a musician. He also learned bass guitar shortly before joining the group that became Spandau Ballet.
He is an Arsenal supporter and once dreamed of becoming a footballer. George Michael was an important family friend, helped Martin and Shirlie get together and later became Roman Kemp’s godfather.
Martin’s unusual career has taken him from chart-topping pop music to films, soaps, reality television, presenting and live DJ performances.
Final Thoughts
When people search Martin Kemp age, they often discover a much broader story behind the number. Born on 10 October 1961, Martin Kemp is 64 years old as of September 2026 and has spent most of his life in the public eye.
From Spandau Ballet and EastEnders to his marriage with Shirlie and his close relationship with Roman and Harley, Kemp has built a career and family life that continue to attract public interest decades after his first taste of fame.
FAQs
How old is Martin Kemp?
Martin Kemp is 64 years old as of September 2026. He was born on 10 October 1961 and will turn 65 in October 2026.
How tall is Martin Kemp?
Martin Kemp is generally reported to be around 6 feet tall, which is approximately 1.83 metres.
Who is Martin Kemp married to?
Martin Kemp is married to Shirlie Kemp, formerly Shirlie Holliman. The couple married in 1988 and have been together for more than three decades.
How many children does Martin Kemp have?
Martin Kemp has two children, daughter Harley Moon Kemp and son Roman Kemp. Both have built careers in creative and entertainment-related fields.
What is Martin Kemp’s net worth?
Martin Kemp’s net worth is commonly estimated at around $4 million. The figure is not officially confirmed and should be treated as an approximate celebrity wealth estimate.
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