Martin Kemp remains one of Britain’s most recognisable entertainment figures, spanning the New Romantic era of the 1980s through soap stardom and reality television. As of 2026, the musician, actor and presenter has an estimated net worth of around $4 million (approximately £3–3.5 million).
This figure reflects decades of music royalties from Spandau Ballet, high-profile acting work, television presenting, DJ performances, radio, and other media appearances. Like most celebrity estimates, it is based on publicly reported earnings and assets rather than private financial disclosures.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin John Kemp |
| Date of Birth | 10 October 1961 |
| Age (2026) | 65 |
| Birthplace | Islington, London, England |
| Profession | Musician, actor, film director, presenter, DJ |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$4 million / £3–3.5 million |
| Spouse | Shirlie Holliman (m. 1988) |
| Children | Harley Moon Kemp, Roman Kemp |
| Notable Roles | Bassist in Spandau Ballet; Steve Owen in EastEnders |
| Height | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
Early Life and Rise with Spandau Ballet
Martin John Kemp was born on 10 October 1961 in Islington, north London, to parents Frank and Eileen. He is the younger brother of Gary Kemp. From a young age he attended the Anna Scher Theatre drama club alongside his brother and appeared in children’s television before leaving school at 16 to begin a printing apprenticeship.
His path changed when the manager of his brother’s band suggested he learn bass. Kemp mastered the instrument in about three months and joined the group that became Spandau Ballet. The New Romantic band achieved major success in the early 1980s, with hits including “True,” “Gold,” and “Only When You Leave.” Four of their albums reached the UK top ten, and they performed on the Band Aid single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” A royalties dispute led to the band’s split in the early 1990s; they later reunited for tours beginning in 2009.
Acting Breakthrough and EastEnders
After the band’s initial split, Kemp and his brother starred as the Kray twins in the 1990 film The Krays, earning strong reviews. He spent time in Los Angeles working in film and television before returning to the UK.
In 1995 he underwent surgery to remove two benign brain tumours and later managed related epilepsy with a protective plate fitted under his scalp. He returned to acting and landed the role of the charismatic but dangerous Steve Owen on EastEnders from December 1998 to 2002. The character featured in some of the soap’s highest-rated storylines, including the Saskia Duncan murder and “Who Shot Phil?” Kemp won multiple awards, including National Television Award for Most Popular Actor and several British Soap Awards.
He has continued acting in dramas, films and theatre, directed projects, hosted shows, and built a successful parallel career as a DJ with “Back to the 80s” events across the UK. He has also worked in radio, including stretches with Greatest Hits Radio.
Family Life
Kemp has been married to Shirlie Holliman since 1988. Shirlie rose to fame as a Wham! backing singer and as one half of the duo Pepsi & Shirlie. The couple have two children: daughter Harley Moon Kemp (born 1989), a singer-songwriter, and son Roman Kemp (born 1993), a well-known radio and television presenter. George Michael was godfather to the children. The family has lived in Hertfordshire in recent years, where Martin and Shirlie have renovated a Victorian property and focused on gardening.
Recent Activity
In 2025 Kemp appeared on the 25th series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, finishing in seventh place after roughly 20 days in the jungle. He has continued DJ performances, occasional television work, and family collaborations, including previous presenting projects with Roman such as Martin & Roman’s Weekend Best.
FAQ
What is Martin Kemp’s net worth in 2026?
Public estimates place it at approximately $4 million (around £3–3.5 million), accumulated through music, acting, presenting, DJ work and related media.
How old is Martin Kemp?
He was born on 10 October 1961 and turned 65 in 2026.
Who is Martin Kemp’s wife?
Shirlie Holliman (now Shirlie Kemp), former Wham! backing singer and member of Pepsi & Shirlie. They married in 1988.
Does Martin Kemp have children?
Yes — daughter Harley Moon Kemp and son Roman Kemp, a popular broadcaster.
What is Martin Kemp best known for?
Playing bass in Spandau Ballet and portraying Steve Owen on EastEnders.
Conclusion
Martin Kemp has built a durable career that spans more than four decades of British popular culture. From the chart-topping days of Spandau Ballet and the intense drama of EastEnders to presenting, directing, DJing and reality television, he has repeatedly reinvented himself while maintaining a stable family life. His estimated net worth of around $4 million reflects steady, diversified earnings rather than flashy excess — a fitting outcome for a performer who has remained a familiar and well-liked presence on UK screens and stages.
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