Martin Kemp looked visibly emotional as he stepped back into the real world on Thursday night, arriving at the Marriott Surfers Paradise with wife Shirlie on his arm after becoming the sixth celebrity voted off I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.
After 20 grueling days in the Australian jungle, the 64-year-old Spandau Ballet legend seemed overwhelmed with relief as fellow evictees Vogue Williams, Kelly Brook and Eddie Kadi greeted him alongside the families of the remaining campmates. Still wearing his jungle gear, Martin lit up the moment he spotted Shirlie — his wife of 40 years — waiting to welcome him back.
Fans had been stunned hours earlier when Martin finally appeared in a Bushtucker Trial after Vogue revealed he had secretly been exempt for much of the series. Teaming up with Tom Read Wilson for the “Lethal Libraries” challenge, Martin admitted that Tom handled “the lion’s share” of the task while he responded to questions from a safer distance.
Speaking to Ant and Dec after his elimination, Martin reflected: “I have dreamt about this moment. It’s such a weird trip. I loved just sitting around and talking with the others. I’m not someone who makes new friends easily, and this is the first time in years I’ve really done that — and I absolutely loved it.”
He added that he felt proud leaving the camp with “brilliant anecdotes” and explained, “I wasn’t dancing or singing like everyone else — I just brought a calm energy.”
Once back at the hotel, Martin happily filled Vogue, Kelly and Eddie in on all the behind-the-scenes tensions from camp before waving to crowds gathered outside.
His son Roman Kemp reacted to the early exit with a playful “Oh noooo,” before sharing a sentimental message: “Love him and love that some of you have seen a snapshot of the man I aspire to be!”
Shirlie, elegant in all white, looked equally emotional as she reunited with her husband — a moment 40 years in the making, and one Martin had been “desperate” for throughout his time in the jungle.
