Martin Kemp and his wife Shirlie have made a marriage confession (Image: EASYJET HOLIDAYS)
admitted that there have been times when he could scarcely wait to escape with Shirlie – and that despite almost four decades of marital love, their romance has been tested.
One of the “passion killer” culprits he’s named is his 31-year-old son , a former Capital FM radio host who also presents on ‘s . He and sister Harley Moon – a country music singer-songwriter – have been held responsible for their parents desperately seeking holiday time.
Spandau Ballet bassist Martin confessed: “It’s so easy to let the romance fizzle, especially when your adult children are calling you every 5 minutes for advice on how to turn on the oven or you’re trying to keep on top of after school activities, playdates, and the never-ending pile of washing up.” Shirlie chimed in to reveal that the pair “go on multiple trips every year” in a bid to “stay connected”.
She added that the pair have managed to keep their passion “alive after 36 years” as a result of taking that time out away from running a hectic household and fielding their kids’ demands. They recently teamed up with Easyjet Holidays to give fellow parents – plus those who are simply seeking a much-needed break – a chance to rekindle romance.
They spoke out after a poll conducted by the neon orange airline brand confirmed that 81% of British parents feel, like they once did, that their spark in their relationship has gone. Martin revealed that autumn – when there are fewer children around – is his favourite time to get out on holiday and recharge his batteries.
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Martin and Shirlie Kemp with son Roman on the red carpet (Image: GETTY)
He exclaimed: “Remember when flirting was more than just taking the bins out without being asked?”
Martin also recommended abandoning technology and screen time for a good old fashioned conversation, with Shirlie agreeing: “There’s nothing worse than being at dinner and someone being glued to their phone!”
“Talk about everything, not just about what part of the house needs to be cleaned!” Martin continued.
“Most importantly, don’t take each other for granted!” Shirley suggested.
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Martin Kemp has shared his tips for keeping romance alive after decades of marriage to Shirlie (Image: EASYJET HOLIDAYS)
“Yeah, go out, go dancing, go to that restaurant the kids would hate, whatever floats your boat – [and] remember why you fell in love in the first place,” Martin ventured.
The pair met after Shirlie performed ‘Young Guns’ on TOTP with George Michael’s band Wham back in the 1980s, and after five years of dating, they tied the knot during a sunshine getaway in St Lucia.
It’s hardly surprising then that they seek to reignite their romance by taking themselves back to what they were doing when they tied the knot – travelling.
These days, with multiple annual trips planned, they plan to try to ignite more than their children’s faulty ovens and put the magic and romance they used to share back into their own lives, every time they travel.
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