I'm A Celebrity's Martin Kemp hits back at claims he was 'paid £95,000 to take a holiday'
Martin left the jungle last nightI’m A Celebrity‘s latest casualty Martin Kemp has hit back at claims he was being “lazy” in the jungle.
Martin, who was eliminated from the show last night, was accused of deliberately avoiding the Bushtucker Trials during the series.
Earlier this week, he did not volunteer for Walk The Plank, which saw Shona McGarty suspended high in the jungle dressed as a pirate.
The Spandau Ballet star’s family even spoke out publicly about his lack of I’m A Celebrity airtime.
But Martin has now explained why he didn’t take part in as many trials as viewers would have expected.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “I thought, ‘I’m at the end of my career’. I’m at a bit where I’m slowing down a little bit.
“The other guys are at the beginning, and why not give them the chance and time and put them in front of a queue?”
Martin insisted the younger celebrities were “chomping at the bit” to do the trials. He said he let them go ahead, as “it can do brilliant things for their career”.
I’m A Celebrity: Martin Kemp hits back at ‘lazy’ claims
Martin – who went under the radar for the majority of the series so far – certainly caught the attention of viewers on Tuesday night. It was announced in camp that the next Bushtucker Trial needed one volunteer.
Both Shona and Jack Osbourne offered to do it, while several others raised their hands. But Martin remained silent. The group eventually picked EastEnders star Shona to go.
Taking to X, fans complained at the time: “Martin Kemp has really gone down in my estimations. I loved him in the 80s but he is coming across as a complete wimp! He votes for all the women to do the challenges and slinks back into the shadows.”
Another added: I’ve moaned about Ginge being lazy with the washing up,. But at least he’s done trials and fed the camp. Martin has done (bleep) all.”
Someone else posted: “Anyone else think Martin Kemp is treating #ImACeleb like a holiday camp? What does he actually do? Time to go lazy (bleep)!”
And, staying on this theme, another viewer even mused: “Martin Kemp has been paid £95k to have a month long holiday in Australia, do one Dingo Dollar challenge and a couple of little trials, then just chill. Love him for that.”
Martin Kemp leaves I’m A Celebrity
Martin left I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! at the end of Thursday night’s show. He received the fewest number of votes from the public so was sent over the bridge.
Ironically, he did complete a Bushtucker Trial with Tom Read Wilson before he went.
Martin has since said he won’t miss anything about the jungle, adding: “I’m walking away from it!” The first thing he did on the outside as phone his son Roman and daughter Harleymoon before having a “really hot shower”.
Martin is now tipping his new friend Tom to win the show. Tom remains in the jungle with Shona, Jack Osbourne, Lisa Riley, Aitch and Angry Ginge.
Tonight’s show will feature a double elimination, meaning two celebrities will be sent home. It starts at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX and ends at 10.35pm.
Who do you want to see go?
Read more: When does I’m A Celebrity 2025 finish and how many campmates will be left in the final?
