Martin Kemp'S Rollercoaster Life: Brain Surgery, Epilepsy, And Jungle Adventures! - BABEOfficial 2025

Martin Kemp's Wild Ride: From Brain Surgery to Jungle Star

Martin Kemp has quickly become a fan-favorite on *I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!* with his cool, Mellow Dad Energy that viewers just can't get enough of. In a recent episode, Martin opened up about a life-altering experience that shook him to his core.

“I’m dyslexic, when I read, all the ends of the words jumble around [...] Mine is from an operation, taking away a brain tumour. For a while I lost everything, I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t see, I was a train wreck afterwards.”

But Martin's story doesn't end there. In a twist of fate, his brain tumours were discovered by a sharp-eyed make-up artist while he was filming in Canada. A subsequent scan revealed two benign tumours that had been stealthily growing for 12 years. Martin underwent surgery in 1995 to remove them, leaving him with a metal plate in his skull and temporarily impairing his vision and mobility.

The Aftermath: Epilepsy and Advocacy

The surgery was a success, but it left Martin with epilepsy – a condition he manages with medication. Speaking candidly, Martin shared how the right treatment has helped him suppress the symptoms, but he acknowledges that not everyone is as fortunate.

His journey with epilepsy led him to work with the Encephalitis Society, becoming a patron to raise awareness about the condition. "The things that happened to me after my operation resulted from bruising and trauma to the brain and, thank God, most of the effects disappeared," Martin told Health Awareness.

From Spandau Ballet to Soap Star

Before his health struggles, Martin was already a household name. Alongside his brother Gary Kemp, he was part of the iconic '80s band Spandau Ballet, belting out hits like 'True' and 'Gold'. The band even joined the legendary Band Aid single 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'.

After the band split, Martin dove into acting, playing one of the infamous Kray Twins in *The Krays*. He even had a brush with James Bond fame, auditioning for the role that eventually went to Pierce Brosnan.

EastEnders and Family Bonds

In 1998, Martin took on the role of the charismatic villain Steve Owen in *EastEnders*. His time on the show was marked by intense storylines, including the unforgettable 'Who shot Phil?' mystery.

Beyond his career, Martin's family is his anchor. He shares a long-lasting marriage with Shirlie Holliman, and together they've raised two children, Harley Moon and Roman Kemp. Martin and Roman's charming dynamic on *Celebrity Gogglebox* has won over viewers, showcasing a bond that resonates with fans.

Now, as Martin navigates the challenges in the jungle, he's poised to become a beloved father figure to his fellow campmates. Catch all the action on *I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!* airing on ITV1 and ITVX every night at 9pm.