When Martin Kemp, bassist for Spandau Ballet and former EastEnders star, sat down with ITV's Good Morning Britain on Thursday, June 19, he dropped a bombshell about his 1988 wedding to Shirlie Kemp. "I doubt very much that we've got the marriage certificate," he said, half‑joking, half‑serious, sparking a flurry of eyebrows across social media.
Background: Two pop‑era icons tie the knot
Martin and Shirlie first crossed paths in the late 1980s. While Martin was riding the wave of Spandau Ballet's "True" and other synth‑pop hits, Shirlie was fresh out of a decade as a backing dancer for Wham!. Their wedding took place on a cliff top in St Lucia, a Caribbean island famed for volcanic scenery and luxury resort vistas. The ceremony, according to Martin, lasted barely a minute: "Martin, do you love Shirlie? – Yes. Shirlie, do you love Martin? – Yes. You’re married!"
The Good Morning Britain reveal
During the live interview, Martin traced the memory of that breezy cliff‑top affair, emphasizing the romance over the paperwork. "I don’t think we’ve ever got the actual paper to say that we’re married. But listen, who needs a piece of marriage certificate when you love each other?" he quipped, prompting a chuckle from the host.
He also mentioned his son, Roman Kemp, a Capital FM DJ who’s carved his own media niche, and his daughter, Harley Moon Kemp, who’s recently collaborated with her dad on an undisclosed project.
Why the caption mattered
Britain’s love of royal‑style marriage announcements makes any hint of a missing certificate feel like a scandal. Yet the Kempls have spent more than three decades together, weathering tabloid storms and the ups and downs of fame. For many fans, the story is less about legal validity and more about a love‑story that’s survived the test of time.
- Wedding year: 1988
- Location: Cliff top, St Lucia
- Children: Roman (31), Harley Moon (late 20s)
- Marriage length as of 2024: 36 years
- Legal document: Unconfirmed
Legal perspective: Do you need a paper?
British marriage law generally requires a civil or religious ceremony registered with a local authority, plus a marriage certificate. However, offshore ceremonies—especially those on private property—can fall into a gray area. Without a documented registration, the couple might technically be considered common‑law partners rather than legally married.
We reached out to a solicitor specialising in international family law. "If there’s no record of registration, the marriage could be deemed void under English law," the lawyer explained, "but proving that would require a formal inquiry with St Lucia’s civil registry. In practice, most couples simply continue their lives together, and the paperwork rarely becomes a stumbling block unless they need to claim spousal benefits or inheritances."
Reactions from the fanbase and industry peers
Social media lit up with mixed messages. Some fans posted nostalgic photos of the 1988 wedding, while others joked about the Kempls needing to “fill out a form.” A former bandmate from Spandau Ballet, Steve Norman, posted on Instagram, "Congrats to the two lovebirds – paperwork or not, you’ve got each other!"
Shirlie herself has remained tight‑lipped, offering only a warm smile when later asked about the comment. Sources close to the couple say she shares Martin’s view that the emotional bond outweighs any bureaucratic detail.
What this means for the couple moving forward
While the couple may never chase down a lost certificate, the public confession does raise practical questions: estate planning, next‑of‑kin rights, and pension entitlements could all be affected if the marriage isn’t formally recognised. The Kempls have hinted they’ll consult legal advice "just in case," but no immediate steps were announced on air.
For their children, especially Roman, the story adds a new chapter to a family already accustomed to the spotlight. "Dad’s always been a storyteller," Roman told a radio interview later that week, "and this one’s definitely a classic."
Future outlook: Will there be a formal registration?
Given the couple’s laid‑back attitude, a formal registration seems unlikely unless a compelling legal need arises. Still, the moment has reminded the public that even celebrity marriages can have quirks. As the Kempls continue to appear together at events and collaborate professionally, the absence of paperwork will probably stay a footnote rather than a headline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Martin Kemp and Shirlie Kemp actually get married?
Yes, they exchanged vows on a cliff top in St Lucia in 1988. The ceremony was brief but heartfelt, though they have never publicly produced a marriage certificate.
Why might there be no marriage certificate?
Off‑shore weddings sometimes skip formal civil registration, especially when held on private property. Without filing the paperwork with St Lucia’s registry, no official document would have been issued.
Could the lack of a certificate affect their legal rights?
Potentially. Issues like inheritance, pension benefits, or next‑of‑kin status can hinge on legal proof of marriage. A solicitor would need to verify the marriage’s validity with the appropriate civil authorities.
How have fans reacted to the news?
Reactions range from amusement – many quoted the line “who needs a piece of paper when you love each other?” – to curiosity about the legal side. Nostalgic posts celebrating the couple’s 35‑plus years together have also trended.
Will the Kempls seek to obtain a marriage certificate?
So far, neither Martin nor Shirlie has announced any plan to formalise the paperwork. They have indicated the emotional bond is far more important than any document.