As this year’s I’m A Celeb! nears its finale, Martin Kemp’s daughter speaks to Closer about how her dad is doing
@Mike Marsland/WireImage/ITV Pictures
With patriach Martin in the Australian jungle for I’m A Celebrity! and kids Harleymoon and Roman also on TV screens on Celebrity Race Across The World, it’s been a quiet time of late at the Kemps’ north London home, with matriarch Shirlie holding the fort. ‘It’s been one in, one out at our house. My mum’s held it together pretty well so far. She’s really proud of all of us,’ Harleymoon tells Closer.
Martin, 64, has won a new generation of fans and supporters with his stint in the jungle. He has made candid revelations about his sex life with pop singer Shirlie – his wife of 37 years – as well as his battles with brain tumours, and how he was nearly offered the role of James Bond.
Martin is one of this year’s campmates ©ITV Pictures
‘I think he’s been authentically himself,’ Harleymoon says. ‘He’s been sat back in the group, which I thought he would be. He’s a gentle giant and I know my dad isn’t one to step in on conflict. My dad’s a quiet guy and doesn’t like being the centre of attention. There are a lot of big characters in there and I didn’t expect him to cause any chaos.’
The Spandau Ballet frontman – a late addition to this year’s series, only signing up the week before the show’s start – followed in the footsteps of son Roman, who appeared on the show in 2019. Asked why her dad said yes, singer Harleymoon, 36, says, ‘He’s 64. I don’t know if he’ll do lots more of these types of challenges in his life. This is a great adventure – throwing yourself out of a plane when you’re meant to be retired is fascinating.’
Roman’s advice to choose the right bed appears to have been missed, though. ‘Roman told him to pick a hammock as that’s more comfortable [than a camp bed], but he hasn’t, so he must have forgotten that advice already!’ she says.
Harleymoon with brother Roman, dad Martin and mum Shirlie ©David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Scholastic Books
While Martin prefers solace, Harleymoon reveals he has a busy social life. ‘He does his DJing all the time and he absolutely loves that. He’s out every single night, giving people the whole clubbing Martin Kemp experience. My dad’s out clubbing while I’m in bed with the dogs! I actually thought the jungle would be a rest for him.’
Whether or not Martin takes the crown, he’s already a winner in his family’s eyes. ‘We’re so proud of him,’ Harleymoon says.
Harleymoon Kemp’s new single ‘My Girls (Love Me Best)’ is out now. She’s performing at Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London this week, with tickets available fromhttps://linktr.ee/harleymoonkemp.
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