I'm A Celebrity 2025: Martin Kemp's wife Shirlie feels 'exposed' by her husband in the jungle
Shirlie Kemp has been married to the Spandau Ballet musician since 1988
Shirlie Kemp has admitted she feels “exposed” watching her husband Martin take on the I’m A Celebrity jungle.
Speaking to Dermot O’Leary and Rochelle Humes on This Morning today (21 November), she opened up about the strange mix of pride, nerves and sheer helplessness that comes with seeing a loved one thrown into Bushtucker chaos.
The trio were sat beside a jungle hut with former campmate Vicky Pattison. She couldn’t resist sharing a few tales of her own from her time Down Under. And with Rochelle’s husband Marvin having braved the show back in 2023, she was especially keen to hear how Shirlie was coping as Martin gears up for his first trial.
Shirlie confessed that despite cheering him on, there’s something about the whole experience that leaves her feeling laid bare. Especially knowing the entire nation is watching every reaction, wobble and emotional moment he has in camp.
Martin Kemp’s wife feels ‘exposed’ by I’m A Celebrity
Speaking to Shirlie, who shares two children with Spandau Ballet musician Martin, Rochelle highlighted how it’s a “big time for the family”.
She asked: “Those moments where they’re discussing how you got together. It’s a really funny thing to sit and watch that at home isn’t it?”
Shirlie responded: “Yeah, you kind of feel a bit embarrassed, thinking ‘Oh what’s he gonna say?'” She then admitted to feeling “cringey” about Martin’s campfire insights into their relationship. He’s been telling his new friends all about their love story on air.
“The next day everyone’s gonna say, ‘Ooh! I heard this, heard that about you.’ So I feel more exposed when I go out because I know everyone’s gonna talk to me about the show.”
Dermot proceeded to ask Shirlie whether Martin seems to be enjoying himself in the jungle.
“He is very chilled,” Shirlie noted. “He’s worked so hard. He does all these DJ gigs across the country. I’m really pleased he’s sat there on a log just having a rest. Because all I hear is, ‘Oh I’m so tired! I’m worn out.’
“So this is like a detox. I think it’s grounding, it’s very good to get away from your phone.”
Martin Kemp was tipped to be crowned jungle king
Before this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity got underway, ex-contestant James Haskell tipped Martin to win.
On behalf of Heart Bingo, the 2019 star exclusively told Entertainment Daily that Martin’s gameness would perhaps separate him from the rest of the pack.
“I think it will be interesting. Someone like Martin, I think, he seems quite game, seems quite fun,” he shared. “Lisa Riley looks like someone that will be able to get into it. The thing is, you can never tell too early on who’s gonna really be the shining light.”
With the countdown officially on, viewers are already dissecting every moment in camp, and James’ recent comments about Martin’s chances have raised a few eyebrows. Fans are wondering whether he’s spoken a little too soon… and whether his confidence might end up backfiring.
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