Martin Kemp on George Michael's key role in his life

Martin Kemp speaking to Piers Morgan. Credit: ITV

Martin Kemp is to tell Piers Morgan that George Michael has played an integral role in his life. George got Martin and his wife Shirlie together, he helped seek out the radiation therapy that removed Martin’s life threatening brain tumour and he suggested Martin for his role in EastEnders.

Martin also talks about:

  • Discovering he had a brain tumour and how he got through the horrific ordeal

  • Meeting Ronnie Kray in Broadmoor ahead of starring in the film The Krays

  • The tragic deaths of his mother and father within days of one another

  • The pressure he felt when he joined EastEnders

  • His hope that Spandau Ballet will play again in the future

  • His love for his wife Shirlie

  • His gratitude to George Michael

Talking about being a member of the pop band Spandau Ballet in the 1980s, Martin said:

Martin was only a teenager when he joined Spandau Ballet and he was thrust into the spotlight instantly becoming a pin up. Martin broke millions of hearts when, at the height of his success with Spandau Ballet, he met and fell in love with Shirlie Holliman, a backing singer for another successful band of the 80s, Wham.

During an interview for Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, Martin’s wife Shirlie said:

Martin and Shirlie married in 1988 and went on to have two children, daughter Harley Moon and son Roman. They have one of the most enduring marriages in show business but in 1995 their love was put to the test when Shirlie found a lump on Martin’s head, which turned out to be a brain tumour.

Martin’s brother Gary, was interviewed for Piers Morgan’s Life Stories and said:

Martin went through a critical eight-hour operation and had to remain in hospital for several weeks afterwards.