October 23rd 2024.
Shirlie and Martin Kemp, two well-known figures from the 80s, have been happily married for over 30 years. Martin, a member of Spandau Ballet, met Shirlie, also an 80s icon, and it was love at first sight for him. But as they sit down with Thomas Stichbury, they reveal that the key to their enduring relationship goes beyond just infatuation. They talk about their early days, their values and friendship, and how they keep the spark alive.
Martin recalls seeing Shirlie on television for the first time and being smitten with her. He jokes about his first crush being Sarah Jessica Parker in Hocus Pocus, but quickly clarifies that he is gay. The couple laughs and Martin says he still needs to figure out what that means. Shirlie playfully suggests he should look into it.
As they reminisce about their early days, they reveal that they tied the knot in 1988. In an industry where marriages are often short-lived, their enduring relationship is quite an achievement. When asked about their secret, Shirlie believes that their strong friendship, similar values and decent upbringing are the key ingredients. Martin adds that no matter how much you love each other, the friendship is what truly keeps the marriage going. He also emphasizes the importance of laughter in a relationship, sharing how Shirlie's mad impressions used to make him laugh uncontrollably in their early days.
The couple talks about their children, son Roman and daughter Harley Moon, and how parenting can sometimes take a toll on a relationship. They reveal that this is one of the reasons why they are a part of easyJet's Rekindle the Romance campaign. Shirlie shares how taking short breaks away from their routine helps them reconnect and reminds them of their early days when they were constantly travelling and meeting in hotel rooms. Martin adds that going on holiday feels like dating again, with the added bonus of having a bit of tan and wearing white clothes. He fondly recalls seeing his parents hold hands during their holidays and how it made him realize the importance of taking time for oneself in a relationship.
The couple also talks about the challenges of parenting and how it can sometimes extinguish the spark in a relationship. Shirlie and Martin relate to this and believe that it is important to work on the relationship and take breaks from parenting to keep the spark alive. Martin jokes that the secret to a happy marriage might be tan lines, but quickly clarifies that it's just an enjoyable aspect. They both agree that having children is a huge responsibility and can bring a different aspect to the relationship, but it is also a beautiful journey to experience together.
As the interview comes to an end, Martin and Shirlie share their idea of a romantic night, which includes Martin serenading Shirlie with Spandau Ballet's songs. They laugh and reminisce about the time they skinny-dipped in the Seychelles, revealing that it was one of the most romantic moments in their relationship. As they look back on their journey, it's clear that Shirlie and Martin Kemp's enduring love is a result of their strong friendship, similar values, and the effort they put into keeping the spark alive.
Shirlie and Martin Kemp are a true testament to the power of love and friendship. After more than 30 years of marriage, the Spandau Ballet star and his fellow 80s icon, Shirlie, are still going strong. In an exclusive interview, the couple, both aged 63 and 62 respectively, open up about their enduring relationship and share their secrets to keeping the spark alive.
Taking us back to the very beginning, Martin admits that it was love at first sight for him when he saw Shirlie on television, performing on Top of the Pops. "It was like infatuation," he recalls with a smile. Shirlie laughs, "You'll have to unpack that one!" referring to Martin's childhood crush on Sarah Jessica Parker in Hocus Pocus. But as we all know, Martin turned out to be gay, and the couple jokes about how they still need to figure out what that means.
When asked about the secret to their long-lasting marriage, Shirlie is quick to point out that their friendship is the foundation of their relationship. "We're really good friends," she says. "We have similar outlooks on life, and we're both decent people." Martin adds, "We both had a working-class upbringing, and our values are the same. I've never done anything that would put Shirlie off me. I treat people kindly, and I have good morals." Shirlie nods in agreement, recalling a memory from when they first met in Ireland and Martin generously gave all the money he had to a group of children begging on the streets.
The couple emphasizes the importance of laughter in their marriage, with Shirlie admitting that she always manages to make Martin laugh, even unintentionally. Martin agrees, saying, "Shirlie has always made me laugh. She used to do these mad impressions when we first met, and I would just roll on the floor laughing." He adds, "It's one of the most important things to hang onto in a marriage."
When asked about their involvement in easyJet's Rekindle the Romance campaign, Shirlie explains that it resonated with them because they love taking short breaks together. "It's a great way to get out of our home routine and reconnect as a couple," she says. Martin adds, "As parents, there's always a level of stress when your kids are around, no matter how old they are. Going on a holiday together feels like dating again – we dress up, we have a bit of a tan, and it feels special." Shirlie fondly remembers her parents holding hands on holiday, and Martin jokes, "I wouldn't say tan lines are the secret to a happy marriage, but they are enjoyable!"
The couple also addresses the challenges of parenting and how it can sometimes extinguish the spark in a relationship. Shirlie acknowledges that having children is a massive responsibility and can change the dynamic of a relationship. "But it's also a fantastic thing to enjoy together," she says. Martin adds, "That's why we're doing this campaign – to remind couples to take a break and work on their relationship. It doesn't just fall into place naturally, especially when you're bringing up kids."
As for the most romantic place they've been to, Shirlie and Martin exchange a knowing look. "Skinny-dipping in the Seychelles," they say in unison, laughing. But they also mention how romantic it is when Martin serenades Shirlie with Spandau Ballet classics. "It's those little moments that keep the romance alive," Shirlie says with a smile.
In the end, it's clear that Shirlie and Martin's enduring love and friendship is the key to their successful marriage. They continue to inspire others with their story and remind us all to never let the spark between us fizzle out.
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