With his piercing blue eyes and androgynous style, he was one of the heartthrobs of the New Romantic era.
And in recent years, Martin Kemp has carved out a career for himself as a television star and DJ, travelling up and down the country for gigs, while still appearing on Celebrity Gogglebox and The Masked Singer.
Now, the 64-year-old is on his way to Australia for a handsome sum of cash to take part in this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
But it seems Martin has left a lot of disappointed fans and club promoters in his wake.
He has postponed numerous club appearances as part of his Back to the 80s Tour, despite telling his 573k Instagram followers on October 24 that ‘all gigs are still on’.
Not only that, insiders tell me that Martin left nightclub bookers scrambling at the last minute to find cover, and has left them out of pocket after forking out for his travel and accommodation.
Martin Kemp has disappointed fans club promoters as he has cancelled gigs at the last minute to fly to the Australian jungle for I’m A Celeb
The 64-year-old has carved out a career for himself as a television star and DJ, travelling up and down the country for gigs, while still appearing on huge TV showsÂ
Scottish nightclub Fubar, which is based in Stirling, posted an Instagram announcement confirming that Martin was cancelling an appearance that was due to take place on Saturday November 8.
One source told me: ‘The club had already paid hundreds of pounds for Martin’s accommodation and travel on top of his fee, so it stung when he cancelled last minute.’
The announcement hinted that a major TV gig was to blame, fanning the flames of the I’m A Celeb rumours.
Their post read: ‘We’ve just had word that Martin Kemp won’t be able to join us this Saturday as planned. He’s been called away for a major TV commitment (you’ll no doubt see it all over the telly very soon)’
‘We know that’s gutting news, especially for those who’ve sorted hotels or made plans around the night. Trust us, we’re just as frustrated. We’d already paid for his travel and accommodation so this one stings for us too.’
A second source told me: ‘Martin is irritated with the social media post as it could have got him in trouble with ITV. They haven’t announced the official line-up yet, so celebs aren’t allowed to mention it.’
Martin has already rescheduled his appearance, but fans will have to wait another seven months to see him perform.
The post continued: ‘The good news is we’ve secured a new date with him for Saturday 13th June 2026 and all tickets will automatically roll over. If you’d prefer a refund instead that’s absolutely fine, you can grab a full refund directly through Skiddle.
Martin has postponed numerous club appearances as part of his Back to the 80s Tour, including one at Scottish nightclub Fubar, which is based in Stirling
On Martin’s Skiddle page, where tickets start at £19.51 and can cost £33.25 for final release, two other gigs have been marked as postponed, including one in Oldham on November 14 and another in Brighton and Hove on December 6
‘Just to be totally clear this wasn’t a venue decision. It’s out of our control due to TV commitments. Every ticket holder can either roll over or refund with zero hassle.
‘We know how much everyone was looking forward to this one and we’re gutted too. We’ll make sure the rescheduled show is even bigger when Martin’s back on stage with us. We really appreciate your understanding. This one’s completely out of our hands but we’ll make it up to you when Martin’s back next year’
One fan commented underneath: ‘So disappointed! Spent money on the 80’s gear, very poor show Mr Kemp’
The about section of the event page explains: ‘Get ready for a full-on night of throwback magic as Martin takes you through the greatest hits of the 80s – expect everything from Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran to Wham, Bowie, and Madonna, all mixed into a proper feel-good DJ set.’
The star was pictured at Heathrow airport on Monday night as he jetted off to Australia
On Martin’s Skiddle page, where tickets start at £19.51 and can cost £33.25 for final release, two other gigs have been marked as postponed, including one in Oldham on November 14 and another in Brighton and Hove on December 6.
However, numerous other shows, including Norwich on November 28 and Southampton on December 5, have yet to be updated, and fans can still purchase tickets despite Martin being on route to Australia.
A spokesperson told Daily Mail that seven shows have been rescheduled and in three cases where an alternative date could not be found fans have been fully refunded.
Comedian Ruby Wax, Jack Osbourne, social media star Angry Ginge, EastEnders star Shona McGarty, and model Kelly Brook are also on the line-up for this year’s I’m A Celeb.
TV presenter Alex Scott, Vogue Williams, actress Lisa Riley, Eddie Kadi, Aitch, and Tom Read Wilson are also set to enter the jungle.
Martin will be the second member of his family to head to the Jungle, following in the footsteps of son Roman, 32, who took part in the show’s 19th season
Just two weeks ago, Martin had to reassure fans that his gigs would go ahead as planned after he was taken to hospital, following a horror chainsaw accident
Just two weeks ago, Martin had to reassure fans that his gigs would go ahead as planned after he was taken to hospital, following a horror chainsaw accident. He injured his hand after picking up the tool by the blade to cut a piece of wood.
In the clip, he said: ‘Hey guys, just a little message. You might have seen in the papers that I had a terrible accident with a chainsaw, which I did, but it was last week.
‘I’m a lot better now. And just to let you know, if you were worried and you are going to Lincoln Cathedral tonight for the DJ gig, it is still on. But I appreciate your concerns. And listen, it’s getting better by the minute.’
Martin, who is married to singer Shirlie Holliman, will be the second member of his family to head to the Jungle, following in the footsteps of son Roman, 32, who took part in the show’s 19th season.
Radio host Roman previously revealed that he would be ‘very up’ for watching his dad on screen, after he took to the ITV series in 2019.
During his series, the TV personality made it through the full 22 day series, and finished in third place behind Coronation Street’s Andy Whyment. EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa was crowned the winner.
Martin’s former bandmate Tony Hadley also competed in the show in 2015.
In 1979, Martin joined Spandau Ballet alongside his brother Gary Kemp.The musician learned to play bass guitar in just three months and started his music career in the band, which was at the time known as the Gentry.
The group was later renamed Spandau Ballet and became one of the most successful groups of the 1980s, with their most famous hit being their 1983 track, Gold.
Martin is also known for his acclaimed acting role as Steve Owen on the BBC soap EastEnders. Martin remained on the show until 2002, earning awards and praise for his portrayal of a complex antihero.
Martin’s representatives have been approached for comment.
