Martin Kemp on I’m A Celeb: His amazing journey in the jungle
Martin was the sixth celeb to be evicted
Last updated 1 hour ago
After months of rumours, the official I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! line-up was announced in early November, featuring Greatest Hits Radio's very own Martin Kemp, before the show officially kicked off on Sunday 16th November.
Facing his fears from the very first moment, Martin hurled himself out of a helicopter to meet hosts Ant and Dec, before eventually making his way into camp and getting to know his fellow celebrities. Over three weeks, the Spandau Ballet singer naturally slipped into the role of the camp’s ‘dad’, sharing heartfelt stories about his beloved wife Shirlie and even braving a grim Bushtucker Trial called Lethal Library.
Now he's back in the real world, we wanted to take a look at Martin's I'm A Celeb journey and best bits on the show.
Martin Kemp on I'm A Celeb:
Martin is announced for I'm A Celeb
Martin was officially announced as a camp mate on Monday 10th November, alongside the likes of Ruby Wax, Alex Scott and Aitch.
Speaking ahead of his flight to Australia, Martin said: "I am absolutely looking forward to it. Just the idea of doing something different for a month, being taken out of the real world and put inside this little capsule that is I'm A Celebrity, that we all know so well."
Martin faces his fear of heights
Being forced to face his fears immediately, Martin jumped out of a helicopter during the launch episode, but he didn't let it faze him, laughing throughout the jump! Once he touched down, Martin met hosts Ant and Dec and co-stars Aitch, Kelly Brook, Eddie Kadi and Shona McGarty.
Martin travels to camp in the Cocky Van
After losing out on the the luxury of the getaway car, Martin found himself locked in the 'Cocky Van' alongside Kelly Brook, Shona McGarty, Alex Scott, Ruby Wax and Lisa Riley. The group were joined in the van by thousands of nasty critters, but Martin just laughed it off, getting the giggles in the process!
The group managed to get all stars available and finally made their way into the main camp.
Martin takes part in the first Dingo Dollar Challenge
In episode two, Martin and co-star Kelly Brook were tasked with taking part in the first Dingo Dollar Challenge, called Bingo Balls! The pair had to answer questions by putting coloured balls in a tube, trying to find the word BINGO on the board. After a shaky start, Martin and Kelly unlocked the dollars and gave Kiosk Kev a visit at the Outback Shack. After their fellow camp mates successfully answered the question, Martin and Kelly returned to camp with some chocolate Jazzies!
Martin candidly opens up about having a brain tumour
During a chat with his camp mates, Martin candidly spoke about having surgery in 1995 to remove two brain tumours, after discovering a lump on his head whilst filming a show in Canada. He said: "For a while I lost everything. I couldn't walk, couldn't talk, I couldn't see in one eye. I was a train wreck afterwards. Now I have a few little bits and pieces, and one of them is dyslexia.
"One minute I was fitter and healthier than I'd ever been in my life. Next minute, I was in a mess. It was a bit like being in a car crash, I thought I was dying. It was a tough one."
Martin is made camp chef
Following the arrival of late comers Tom and Vogue, who were made camp leaders, Martin was made camp chef alongside Kelly!
Martin takes on his first Bushtucker trial
Alongside Alex Scott, Shona McGarty and Jack Osbourne, Martin had his first taste of a Bushtucker Trial in the form of The Dreaded Dunnies! Smashing it, Martin and the gang won all 12 stars with time spare!
Aitch selects Martin for wood duty
After Aitch was made the new camp leader, he was tasked with dishing out new roles to the campmates. Relieving himself of his cooking duties, Aitch assigned Martin to wood-collecting duty.
Martin takes on Lisa in the Rivals challenge
When the celebs were told they'd go head-to-head with another campmate to earn their place in the new luxury camp 'Win City', Martin was paired with fellow soap star, Lisa Riley. Unfortunately for Martin, he lost after failing to find the stars in a tank of slime of fish guts faster than Lisa. He was then sent to 'Doomsville' alongside other campmates who lost their tasks.
Martin and Lisa go head-to-head in Cocktails of Cruelty
Following a six-year hiatus, the live trials made a return to I'm A Celeb this year as part of the Rivals format. Martin was once again up against Lisa Riley, with the pair having to drink an awful concoction in a trial called Cocktails of Cruelty. Martin had to drink fermented fish and fish eyes, while Lisa had to down vomit fruit and fermented duck egg. Unfortunately for Martin, Lisa managed to down the entire drink before he was just half-way through, meaning he would face the first vote off.
Martin opens up about his love for wife Shirlie
During emotional chats in camp, Martin spoke about his love for his wife Shirlie. In the Bush Telegraph, Martin said: "There is a certain bedrock to a relationship and that is called friendship, and love will only come out of that if you look after that friendship. Shirlie's everything for me. Everything that I do in my life, I do it for her."
Martin gets put on dunny duty!
Perhaps not his best moment in the jungle! When Shona was made new camp leader, she chose Martin to be on dunny duty alongside Eddie!
Martin gets emotional after receiving his letter from home
The camp mates were given the opportunity to win letters from home at the start of the final week, but it was bad news for Jack Osbourne, as he was the only celeb not to receive his letter. Martin got emotional hearing his letter from his wife Shirley and his son Roman, where they expressed how proud they are of him.
Martin performs 'Gold' at The Jungle Arms
After The Jungle Arms opened its doors for another year, Martin and the rest of the camp enjoyed themselves with fish and chips, alcohol, and a karaoke machine. Martin stepped up to perform Spandau Ballet's hit 'Gold', with a little help from Lisa Riley. You can watch his performance right here.
Martin takes on Bushtucker Trial Lethal Library
Martin nominated himself alongside Tom Read Wilson for a Bushtucker Trial called Lethal Library! During the trial, Martin was covered in critters and stinging ants as he passed on information to Tom, who had to find the books in a very messy library. The pair managed five stars out of seven, with Martin telling Ant and Dec: "We might not have a full bag, but we have full hearts."
And sings 'The Bare Necessities' with Ant and Dec
During the trial, Martin gave a rendition of 'The Bare Necessities' from The Jungle Book with Ant and Dec, leaving fans in stitches.
Martin leaves camp
After an incredible journey, Martin became the sixth celebrity to be evicted from camp, narrowly missing out on the top five!
Martin reflects on his time in camp
Speaking to Ant and Dec during his exit interview, Martin reflected on his amazing journey, saying: "Coming out now, I feel like I've done everything I want to do, experienced it and I can walk out with some brilliant anecdotes."
Martin reunites with wife Shirlie
After walking over the bridge, Martin was greeted by his beloved wife Shirlie, with the pair sharing some hugs and kisses before posing for a lovely photo!
Has Martin left I'm A Celeb?
Yes, Martin was the sixth celeb to be eviction from camp on Thursday 4th December 2025.
What did he say after his exit?
Speaking to hosts Ant and Dec during his exit interview, Martin said: “I have dreamt about this moment. It's just a weird trip. I have enjoyed the other people, sitting around talking. I am not one for making new friends but I have loved it."
He added: "Coming out now, I feel like I've done everything I want to do, experienced it and I can walk out with some brilliant anecdotes.
"I wasn't one of those guys that was dancing and singing and stuff, I just brought a calm energy."
Before he left for the show, Martin caught up with fellow Greatest Hits Radio presenter Kate Thornton for a chat, where he actually urged the public to vote him for all of the rotten Bushtucker trials.
Check out Martin's chat pre-jungle below:
How are you feeling about heading into the jungle?
Full of excitement, Martin gushed: "I am absolutely looking forward to it. Just the idea of doing something different for a month, being taken out of the real world and put inside this little capsule that is I'm A Celebrity, that we all know so well.
"It is absolutely perfect, iconic television, and it's something that I want to experience. I want to experience it whilst it's still on TV, whilst it's still strong, it's the biggest show on television. I want to feel what it does to you, so I'm looking forward to it."
Facing his fears and the potential of THAT parachute jump
"I'm scared of heights, but you know what I'm the sort of person who says they are not scared of anything, until I am confronted with it. I've always said, rats, spider, got to be easy that, and then when it's in front of me, I'm like where's that glass and piece of paper I can get the spider with, because I don't want to touch them."
Possible eating trials and "switching his veggie brain off"
When Kate asked Martin how he's feeling about the possibility of eating a pig's anus and fish eyes (to name a few), Martin said: "It's a bit weird the whole eating thing. I'm not a great eater anyway, I am quite fussy with what I eat. I kind of like it easy."
Going on to admit that although he's usually a vegetarian, he will be willing too 'switch his veggie' brain off so he can partake in the eating trials, he said: "The thing that appeals to me most I think is rice and beans, I'm a veggie at home. I'm going to switch my veggie brain off for a while, and if they ask me to eat a kangaroo's anus, I will.
"I don't have a problem with it. I'm not using any get outs, I'm using get ins, I want them to choose me for those rotten trials. I want them to choose me to do all of that eating stuff because I want to experience it. What's the point of going in there, staying on your camp bed with your sleeping bag over your head? I want to be part of it, I want to experience the full thing.
"If they serve that anus up on a plate, I will eat it."
How he will cope with the lack of food
Admitting he's put on a 'few extra pounds' in preparation, Martin said: "At the moment I'm in the phase of whatever is in the cupboard, eat it. I've put on a few extra pounds for it, I've got a good store going so I don't mind losing a few pounds.
"I went on The Island with Bear Grylls and lost about three stone when I was there over a period of three weeks, which was an incredible weight loss. I love the idea of experimenting with your body, to see whether it does make you angry or sad by not eating. I love the idea of testing myself, so it's one of those things that doesn't worry me too much."
Why he said yes to the show this year
Although Martin has been asked to appear on I'm A Celeb a number of times before, he revealed to Kate the time felt right this time round.
He said: "It was a yes this year because I could fit it in for one. I had to move a few things around but I knew I could fit it in, which was exciting. Also, it's one of those things that I've always wanted to do, it's always been on my bucket list to do this particular show. It's the show we've always watched every episode.
"Every year we sit down as a family, and it was the most wonderful thing when we got to watch Roman (his son) in the jungle. It was the most exciting thing, I've never experienced a feeling like that where every evening you are looking forward to to watching TV so you can stay in touch."
The first person he told about signing-up
"The first person I called was Roman. I asked him what he thought and he told me I had to do it." Martin then revealed Roman was jealous of his dad going into the jungle, because he knows how much fun he will have.
Advice from his son Roman
Martin's son Roman took part in the 2019 series of I'm A Celeb and finished in third place, so it's no surprise he was quick to give his dad some advice.
Martin said: "He told me to enjoy every minute of it. Breath it in because it's a real adventure. And that's why I'm there, no other reason at all. It's just to have a break, and have a real adventure. Something different, which I'm really looking forward to."
Following in the footsteps of his friend Boy George
Boy George, who took part in the famous show back in 2022, is a good friend of Martin, and said he 'did really well' during his appearance.
Martin said: "I thought he did really well. I loved the way that he let himself go. He didn't worry about his makeup or hair, and that is not the George that I know. Ever since I was a kid, I've never seen him without his make-up off, I've never listened to him as free as that, and I thought that was the best version of George I'd ever seen.
"Hopefully, it will do the same for me as well. I just want people to know who I am. I won't be putting on an act, I am who I am, and that's who I want to take into the jungle with me."
What role will Martin take on in camp?
"It definitely won't be cooking. But listen, I will have a go. I will have a go at everything because I think it will break up the time as well. If you ask me, I don't think one person should be in charge of the cooking, I think they should share it out to everyone, so you can have some fun with it.
"I suppose my role in a way, will be someone for people to come to if they are missing home and need a chat. If they are down or feeling sad then they might come to me. I could be a father figure if there's nobody older than me in there.
"I definitely don't want to take on that role of the alpha male, I'm too big and too old for that. I don't want to challenge anybody in there. I just want to get on and have some fun."
What is his luxury item?
Martin confessed he's hoping to take in some nose strips into the jungle, to stop him snoring in camp!
What will he miss most about the outside world?
Martin admitted he will miss his family the most whilst being away. Laughing, Martin said: "Constantly being looked after my by wife Shirley. But yeah, Shirley and my kids, without a doubt."
Martin's predictions for the show
Before he knew which other celebs he would be joined by in the jungle, Martin predicted he will come fifth in the show, before saying he's "in it to win it."
He said: "In it to win it, absolutely right. If you're going to go, you've got to try and win, and that's what I'm going to try and do."
He wasn't far off!
How can I listen to Martin on Greatest Hits Radio?
When he's back from the jungle, listen to The Mix Tape with Martin Kemp on Greatest Hits Radio every Friday and Saturday from 7pm.
You can also listen to Martin on Greatest Hits Radio 80s every Saturday from 7pm, for his 80s mixtape!