Martin Kemp
Martin Kemp was born in 1962. He was brought up with brother Gary, in Islington, North London. He attended Anna Scher drama classes after school, and took part in a few small tv roles. This helped him to develop confidence.
When brother Gary set up a band, they needed a bassist, and although Martin couldn't play, his mother suggested he learn, and join the band.
Spandau Ballet comprised: Gary and Martin Kemp, John Keeble, and Tony Hadley. They started out small, and played in local bars and clubs at the time when the new romantic culture was kicking in. It was not until they had no.1 hits with True, and Gold that they made it big.
Martin fell in love with Wham! backing singing, Shirlie (of Pepsi and Shirlie) and they later married, and now have two children, Harley and Roman.
The band parted company, and Martin had two brain tumours, which were removed during painful times for Martin and the family, and so he wrote his autobiography, True. He recovered well from both tumours, and is now totally in the clear.
He had a part in the Kray movie with brother Gary, and the two played Ronnie and Reggie Kray. The movie was a great success.
Later, Martin had other roles, but nothing major until Eastenders.
When Steve Owen was killed off four years later, he moved to BBC's rivals ITV, and signed a handcuff deal worth two million - reportedly.
He has since done a series of Serious and Organised, and a single drama, Daddy's Girl.
