“When I was young, I first went into the theatre which opened up across from my house. My mum and dad put me in there, not to become an actor or anything but to get rid of my shyness, which was so bad, to the point it was painful. My time there was all about encouragement and improvisation.”

English musician and actor

Martin John Kemp is an English musician and actor, best known as the bassist for the new wave band Spandau Ballet and for playing Steve Owen in EastEnders. He built his public profile through music and television, becoming closely associated with Spandau Ballet’s rise and later with his long-running role in EastEnders. His work sits between pop performance and screen acting, which is why his name is familiar to audiences from both areas.