Shirlie Kemp, former member of Pepsi & Shirlie, has been married to Martin Kemp for 37 years. Their long-lasting relationship, however, is not without its challenges. The couple frequently disagrees on how to manage their personal belongings, which Shirlie attributes to her tendency to collect items.
Shirlie Kemp Discusses Disagreements with Martin Kemp
Currently in Australia supporting Martin while he competes in “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”, Shirlie shared insights about their differing views on organization and minimalism. At 63 years old, Shirlie reflects on her upbringing, stating that her father’s eclectic nature influenced her habits. In a recent episode of the Three Rooms podcast, she admitted, “I’m also a bit of a hoarder like my dad was, and Martin isn’t.”
The Impact of Upbringing on Their Clashing Styles
Shirlie explained that growing up in a financially constrained environment shaped her values. “We didn’t have any money, so I wouldn’t throw things away,” she noted. Interestingly, she pointed out that while Martin, aged 64, also had a humble background, he embraces a starkly different lifestyle. Shirlie described him as a minimalist who prefers a clutter-free environment.
- Shirlie enjoys visiting junk shops and re-purposing items.
- Martin prefers to discard unneeded belongings.
- They often clash over the organization of their home.
Despite their differences, Shirlie wishes to adopt a more minimalist approach. She stated, “I think we shouldn’t hold on to things, I think we should let go.” However, she acknowledges that it can be difficult to let go without an external prompt. “You do need someone else to say to you, ‘do you really need that? Is that blocking energy?’” she added.
The Couple’s Family Dynamics
Shirlie and Martin share two children: Roman, 32, and Harleymoon, 36. The couple’s son, Roman, is currently appearing on television in “Celebrity Race Across The World.” He has also been engaging with viewers about his father’s experiences in the Australian jungle, noting how quickly Martin has formed friendships with other contestants.
Roman remarked on his father’s social interactions, saying, “My dad keeps saying ‘my new friends.’ He genuinely doesn’t have mates so he means it.”
“I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” airs tonight at 9 PM on ITV1 and ITVX, while “Celebrity Race Across The World” will be shown at 8 PM on BBC One and iPlayer.
