Martin Kemp Reveals Wife Shirlie’s Struggle with Trauma and How He Stepped In to Help
Martin Kemp, the famed star from *I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!*, has recently opened up about his wife Shirlie’s experience following a difficult tour in 1985. Shirlie served as a backing singer for the iconic pop group Wham! during their groundbreaking performances in China.
Shirlie’s Traumatic Experience in China
In 1985, Shirlie performed in Beijing and Guangzhou, marking a significant cultural milestone as Wham! was the first Western band to entertain audiences in China. Despite this historical achievement, Shirlie described the trip as “the most shocking experience.” She expressed particular distress over the Great Wall of China, reflecting on its construction and the tragic loss of lives associated with it.
According to Shirlie, the wall has been referred to as “the longest cemetery on Earth,” and her visit brought tears to her eyes as she considered its somber history. She recounted, “Everything just upset me in a way. I thought, ‘Who built this wall?’ The amount of lives that have been lost…”
The Aftermath of the Tour
Upon her return, Martin revealed the financial strain the tour placed on him as he funded Shirlie’s therapy to help her cope with the emotional fallout. He humorously noted, “When Shirlie came back from China, it cost me a fortune in therapy. It’s the truth.”
Shirlie also disclosed that additional traumatic events occurred during the tour. She requested a getaway to help her recover, stating, “I was like, ‘Martin, take me to Florida, I need to go somewhere brand spanking new.’” Their trip to Florida provided her a sense of renewal after the stressful 10-day tour.
Notable Incidents During the Tour
The Wham! tour of China was not without its challenges. One particularly harrowing incident involved backing musician Raul D’Oliveira, who reportedly suffered a psychotic episode mid-flight. Witnesses claimed he stabbed himself in the stomach, leading to chaos, as other band members, including Shirlie, were left screaming in alarm.
This dramatic event compounded the stress of the tour. Fellow backing singer Janet Mooney, reflecting on the experience, mentioned, “It was very traumatic for all of us… something not very nice was happening to a friend of ours.” Since that memorable trip, Shirlie has not returned to China.
Current Developments
At present, Martin Kemp is competing in the latest season of *I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!*, which airs on ITV One. As he engages with a host of other celebrities, including Ruby Wax and Jack Osbourne, his focus remains on providing support for Shirlie, who continues to heal from her remarkable yet challenging past.
