Martin Kemp

Martin Kemp is an English actor, musician, and television presenter. He is best known for his roles as Steve Owen in the BBC soap opera EastEnders and Gary Bushell in the ITV crime drama The Bill. Kemp has also appeared in a number of films, including Quadrophenia, The Krays, and Snatch. In addition to his acting career, Kemp is also a successful musician, having been a member of the new wave band Spandau Ballet since 1979.

Kemp was born in Islington, London, on October 10, 1960. He is the son of actors Charles Kemp and Doreen Lawrence. Kemp has two older brothers, Gary and Craig. Kemp attended the Anna Scher Theatre School in Islington, where he met future Spandau Ballet bandmates Gary Kemp and Steve Norman.

Kemp began his acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in a number of small roles in television and film. In 1985, he landed his breakthrough role as Steve Owen in EastEnders. Kemp played the role for three years, becoming one of the most popular characters on the soap opera. Kemp left EastEnders in 1988 to pursue a career in music. He rejoined the soap opera in 1990, but left again in 1993.

Since leaving EastEnders, Kemp has appeared in a number of films and television shows. He has also presented a number of television shows, including Martin Kemp's Big Night Out and Martin Kemp: The Story of My Life.

Kemp is married to Shirlie Holliman, a former member of the pop group Pepsi & Shirlie. The couple have two children, Harley and Roman.

• Interesting fact: Kemp is a qualified pilot.
• Fun fact: Kemp is a keen golfer.
• Favorite quote: "Life is too short to be anything but happy." - Martin Kemp