Martin Kemp Casts Doubt on Legitimacy of Wedding to Shirlie
Martin Kemp, the Spandau Ballet bassist, has admitted that he doubts the legitimacy of his wedding to wife Shirlie, despite the couple getting married in St Lucia over 35 years ago. According to an interview with Devon Live, Martin told BBC Radio 2’s Vernon Kay on his show Tracks Of My Years that he fell in love with Shirlie “through the television” when he watched her perform with Wham! on Top Of The Pops in 1982.
The couple, both 63, began dating and have been together ever since, getting married in St Lucia in 1988. However, Martin admitted that the wedding may not have been as official as it seemed. He recalled the day of the wedding, saying: “I remember that, on the day we’re getting married, I’m standing on this clifftop that is overlooking the Caribbean and it’s sparkling, and there’s only me there and the lady who’s going to marry us.”
Martin explained that the wedding ceremony was very brief, with the officiant simply asking: “Martin, do you love Shirlie? Okay, yep. ‘Shirlie, do you love Martin?’. Yep, you’re married.” He added that he doesn’t believe the couple were ever given a wedding certificate, but stressed that he “thinks we’re married, so it’s all good”. Devon Live reported that Martin and Shirlie have enjoyed 37 years of marriage, as well as having son Roman and daughter Harley Moon.
The couple’s relationship hasn’t been without its challenges. In 1995, Martin was diagnosed with two brain tumours and was unable to work for three years. The couple had to downsize their home and Martin had invasive surgery to remove the largest tumour, leaving him with dyslexia, memory loss, and epilepsy. Shirlie admitted that she feared Martin would die during the second, riskier operation, before stepping in and saying to the doctor ‘I don’t think we want to do that’.
Shirlie took charge and spent the next few months searching for an alternative method, eventually settling on a treatment using lasers to blast tumours without the need for surgery. The procedure was a success, with Martin saying he has “no doubt” that Shirlie saved his life. Devon Live stated that Martin and Shirlie’s love story began when Martin fell into a “bubble” after seeing Shirlie on television.
The couple’s romance was sparked after George Michael, Shirlie’s friend and bandmate, arranged a meeting between Martin and Shirlie. Martin said that he couldn’t think of anything else until they met a couple of weeks later. Shirlie, on the other hand, had developed a “crush” for Martin after spotting him in a magazine. However, she admitted she was too intimidated to call Martin, leaving George Michael to dial his number and pass the phone over.
The couple’s relationship has stood the test of time, with Martin saying that he’s grateful to have Shirlie by his side. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their wedding, Martin said that he’s happy to assume that they are married. The couple’s 37-year marriage has been an enduring one, and they continue to be a beloved fixture in the entertainment industry. According to Devon Live, Martin and Shirlie’s story is a testament to the power of love and commitment.
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