Martin Kemp illness, net worth, wife, and brother facts

Martin Kemp was a teenager when he helped form Spandau Ballet, a band that would define the New Romantic sound of the 1980s. But three decades later, the same stage lights that once shone on him became a backdrop for a very different story—one of brain tumours, epilepsy, and the quiet work of rebuilding a normal life.

Full Name: Martin John Kemp ·
Born: 10 October 1961 ·
Occupation: Musician, Actor ·
Known For: Spandau Ballet & EastEnders ·
Spouse: Shirlie Kemp (m. 1988) ·
Children: 2 (Harley Moon Kemp, Roman Kemp)

Six numbers that define the man: 1961 (born), 1979 (co-founded Spandau Ballet), 1983 (True released), 1990 (The Krays film), 1998 (EastEnders debut), 2018 (autobiography).

What illness does Martin Kemp have?

Martin Kemp has epilepsy, a condition he developed after two brain tumours were discovered in the 1990s. He underwent surgery to remove the tumours, and a metal plate was implanted under his scalp to protect the brain. The epilepsy is controlled with medication, but he has spoken openly about the challenges of living with a condition that can strike without warning. In a 2002 appearance on The Frank Skinner Show, he joked that the metal plate sets off airport metal detectors.

How was Martin Kemp diagnosed with epilepsy?

Kemp’s diagnosis came after he suffered a seizure at home. Scans revealed two brain tumours, which were removed surgically. The epilepsy resulted from the tumours and the surgery. He has been a patron of the Encephalitis Society and uses his profile to raise awareness about brain-related conditions.

How does Martin Kemp manage his epilepsy?

He takes daily medication and avoids known triggers, such as sleep deprivation and excessive alcohol. In interviews, Kemp has emphasised that he leads a normal life, performing, acting, and appearing on TV, but he remains vigilant. The metal plate under his scalp means he cannot have MRI scans, so monitoring relies on CT scans instead.

The implication: Kemp’s health journey demonstrates that a serious condition does not have to define a career.

Is Martin Kemp a millionaire?

There is no single reliable figure for Martin Kemp’s net worth, but most estimates place him in the millionaire bracket. The spread is wide: a 2025 article from Finance Monthly (the business magazine) put his wealth at £15 million, while a biography source from Naija News (the Nigerian news outlet) estimated around $4 million. The gap reflects the difficulty of valuing a celebrity’s assets without access to financial records. His income streams include royalties from Spandau Ballet’s back catalogue, acting fees, reality TV appearances, and public speaking.

What is Martin Kemp’s net worth?

Given the low confidence in any single estimate, the most honest answer is: it’s unclear. What is certain is that he has enjoyed a long career in music, television, and film, and he lives in a substantial home in Hertfordshire with his family. The Finance Monthly (the business magazine) report also noted a chainsaw injury that cost him £5,000, a minor addition to a larger financial picture.

The pattern: net worth figures for celebrities are often speculative, so treat them as rough estimates.

Are Martin Kemp and Gary Kemp twins?

No, they are not twins. Martin is the younger brother of Gary Kemp, who was born in 1959. The age difference is about two years. Both were founding members of Spandau Ballet in 1979, with Gary writing most of the songs and Martin playing bass. The confusion likely arises from their close bond and shared public profile.

How old were Martin and Gary when Spandau Ballet formed?

Martin was 18, Gary was 20. The band formed in the Islington area of London, drawing from the New Romantic scene. Their early gigs were at the Blitz Club, where they built a following that led to a record deal with Chrysalis Records.

What is the age difference between Martin and Gary Kemp?

Gary Kemp was born on 16 October 1959, making him two years and one week older than Martin. Both attended the same schools and drama classes, but their paths diverged after the band’s peak—Gary focused on acting and writing, while Martin became a TV regular.

Who is Martin Kemp married to now?

Martin Kemp has been married to Shirlie Holliman (now Shirlie Kemp) since 14 November 1988. Shirlie was a member of the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie and earlier a backing vocalist for Wham! The couple met in the 1980s through the music scene. They have two children: Harley Moon Kemp (born 1989) and Roman Kemp (born 1993), a well-known radio presenter on Capital FM.

When did Martin Kemp marry Shirlie Kemp?

The wedding took place in 1988 at a church in Hertfordshire. The ceremony was private, attended by family and close friends. Gary Kemp was the best man. The couple have been together ever since, often cited as one of the stable marriages in the entertainment industry.

How many children do Martin and Shirlie have?

Two: Harley Moon Kemp (daughter) and Roman Kemp (son). Roman is a prominent radio host and TV personality, while Harley works as a model and influencer. The family lives in a countryside home in Hertfordshire.

Why don’t Martin Kemp and Tony Hadley get along?

The feud between Martin Kemp and Tony Hadley, the lead singer of Spandau Ballet, has been public for several years. The core dispute appears to be about the band’s reunion finances and creative control. Hadley left the band in 2017, saying he felt “disrespected” by the other members. Martin has said in interviews that the rift is painful, but he respects Hadley’s right to move on.

What caused the rift between Martin Kemp and Tony Hadley?

According to reports, the disagreement began during the 2009 reunion tour when Hadley felt his contributions were undervalued. The legal structure of the band—Gary Kemp owned the rights to the songs—meant that royalties were not split equally. Hadley wanted a larger share; the other members disagreed. The tension escalated until Hadley’s departure in 2017.

Has the feud been resolved?

As of 2025, there is no sign of reconciliation. Hadley has publicly stated that he does not want to work with the Kemp brothers again. Martin has expressed sadness but accepted the situation. The remaining members of Spandau Ballet continue to perform under the name, but without Hadley, the lineup is incomplete.

For Martin Kemp, the story is not one of a single defining moment but of continuous adaptation. He survived brain tumours, turned epilepsy into a manageable condition, and maintained a career that spans four decades. The unresolved questions—the exact size of his wealth, the depth of his feud with Hadley—matter less than the pattern: he keeps moving forward, on stage, on screen, and in public life. For a generation of fans who grew up with Spandau Ballet’s anthems, that resilience is the real legacy. For the British entertainment industry, the implication is clear: a long career built on talent and grit can outlast any single scandal or setback.