UPDATE: Shirlie Kemp, wife of Martin Kemp, has revealed her reservations about her husband potentially taking on the iconic role of James Bond. During an appearance on ITV’s This Morning, she shared her concerns regarding the pressure associated with the role, highlighting that it could have significantly impacted their family life.
Martin, now 64 and known for his stint in the band Spandau Ballet, was considered for the role of Bond in his thirties. “I remember him going for the audition,” Shirlie said. “I was worried; I didn’t know if I wanted my husband to be the next Bond.” Her anxiety stemmed from the intense scrutiny and expectations that come with being a secret agent on screen.
Shirlie elaborated, “That’s too much pressure. It’s like, oh my goodness, if he became Bond, what would that mean?” The thought of Martin sharing the screen with numerous actresses also troubled her. “I was like, ‘Oh, I don’t know if I want him to be the next Bond.’”
Adding to the complexities, Shirlie expressed doubts about Martin’s Cockney accent, stating, “He has got a Cockney accent. So I wasn’t sure if he’s… I’ve never heard of Cockney Bond.” Although she couldn’t pinpoint the exact timing of Martin’s audition, she recalled it was during a phase when he was actively pursuing acting opportunities.
As Martin currently competes in the Australian jungle on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Shirlie provided insights into how he is faring in the show. Hosts Rochelle Humes and Dermot O’Leary dubbed Martin the “camp dad,” to which Shirlie agreed, stating, “Oh, absolutely, that’s in his nature.”
However, she admitted feeling a bit embarrassed watching his antics on TV. “I’m thinking, what’s he going to say? I feel cringy,” she confessed. The immediate aftermath of the show also causes her concern, as she worries about the public’s reactions: “And also, the next day, everyone’s going to say, ‘Oh, I heard this, heard that about you.’”
This Morning airs weekdays at 10 am on ITV, where viewers can catch more of the latest developments surrounding Martin’s journey in the jungle. With the pressures of celebrity life on display, Shirlie Kemp’s candid reflections remind fans of the human side behind the glamour and fame.
As the situation unfolds, fans are eager to see how Martin will navigate the challenges in the jungle and the lasting impact of his potential role as Bond on their family life. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
